The Advocate has obtained an exclusive first look at Netflix's AJ and the Queen.
In the video below, RuPaul and creator Michael Patrick King (Sex and the City) discuss filming the Netflix series, which centers on the cross-country road trip of drag queen Ruby Red (RuPaul) and 10-year-old AJ (Izzy G.). It also shows the diversity of shooting venues. One of the scenes shows the cast performing a scene from Grease in an Arkansas RV park.
The world's most famous drag performer raved about his young costar, Izzy G. "This little girl, you're just gonna fall in love with her," RuPaul said amid shots of loving interactions. "She's got so much charisma, I just love her so much, and I just know the audience out there will fall in love with her too."
In the clip, King also revealed that there will be at least one or two drag production numbers for Ruby every episode, including songs by Sia, Cher, and Diana Ross. He called the show "a lush nod to what drag is and was."
RuPaul also reflected on the personal significance of AJ and the Queen to his life and career. "I think I've lived my whole life to do this and to come back to the me I had to leave behind at one point as a kid to protect my heart."
"Everyone knows Ru's character. But we're giving them a different version," said King. "Buckle up, it's a road trip."
AJ and the Queen also stars Michael-Leon Wooley and Katerina Tannenbaum. Many familiar faces from RuPaul's Drag Race are also teased in the clip, including Chad Michaels and Bianca Del Rio.
AJ and the Queen will premiere Friday on Netflix. Watch the exclusive video below.
