Billy Porter’s What If? Starring Renee Elise Goldsberry Set to Shine a Light on Trans Identity in a Modern Coming-of-Age Story

Billy Porter’s directorial debut, What If?, has generated significant buzz as it begins production today in Pittsburgh. The film is a modern coming-of-age tale that centers around Kelsa, a trans high school senior, played by Eva Reign in her debut starring role. The story, written by Alvaro García Lecuona, explores Kelsa’s journey through a senior-year relationship with Khal, portrayed by Abubakr Ali, a fellow high schooler who, after posting about his school crush, is encouraged by the internet to pursue it. The film’s premise weaves a heartfelt exploration of identity, self-discovery, and love, set against the backdrop of high school life and online culture.

What If? promises to offer an authentic portrayal of a relationship between two teenagers navigating love and identity in the modern world. Reign, who is also a writer and filmmaker, brings her unique voice and experience as a Black trans woman to the role of Kelsa. Reign’s storytelling and advocacy for LGBTQ+ voices have made her an important figure in the queer community, with her work contributing to platforms like Them, where she serves as a columnist and film fellow at Queer|Art. Her character’s journey in What If? promises to resonate deeply with audiences, especially in light of Reign’s personal commitment to telling stories about trans identity.

Abubakr Ali, who plays Khal, brings a diverse range of experience to the film, with notable roles in Power Book II: Ghost, Katy Keene, and his recent casting in Our Ladies of Brooklyn. Ali’s background in theatre, including work with prestigious institutions like Yale Rep and the Sundance Institute, suggests that he will offer a layered, nuanced performance as Khal, whose relationship with Kelsa forms the emotional heart of the film.

Renee Elise Goldsberry, a multi-talented actress and singer best known for her Tony Award-winning role as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton, rounds out the cast with her portrayal of an undisclosed role. Goldsberry’s expansive career in both Broadway and television makes her a standout addition to the cast. Her recent projects include a nomination for an Emmy for her role in the Disney+ Hamilton film and starring in Girls5Eva, the hit series from Tina Fey.

What If? represents a significant step forward for underrepresented voices in film, especially with the prominence of trans characters and stories in mainstream cinema. The film was cast through a global search led by Alexa Fogel, a renowned casting director known for her work on inclusive projects.

Porter, who made history as the first openly gay Black man to win an Emmy for Pose, brings his directorial vision to a story that reflects his commitment to authentic storytelling. As an artist who has continually pushed boundaries in his career, Porter’s transition to directing this project is a natural evolution of his advocacy for LGBTQ+ representation.

The film’s exploration of trans identity within the context of high school and young love is a timely and necessary contribution to the cultural conversation, particularly in a year where stories about LGBTQ+ lives are becoming more prominent in the mainstream.

Produced by Christine Vachon of Killer Films, alongside David Hinojosa, Andrew Lauren, and D.J. Gugenheim of Andrew Lauren Productions, What If? is backed by a strong production team known for their commitment to diverse and powerful storytelling. The project is produced under Orion Pictures, a studio that has consistently championed underrepresented voices in cinema.

While the excitement around the film’s start of production is palpable, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The film originally cast Yasmin Finney, a rising star known for her role in Heartstopper, as Kelsa. However, due to complications with UK work visa backlogs during the Covid-19 pandemic, Finney was unable to join the project in time. Despite this setback, the production successfully secured Eva Reign as the new lead, and her portrayal of Kelsa will undoubtedly resonate with audiences.

With its innovative approach to portraying a trans coming-of-age story and a talented, diverse cast, What If? has the potential to make a significant impact both as a work of art and as a representation of underrepresented voices. The film’s narrative of navigating love, identity, and the challenges of being a trans teen in today’s world is bound to strike a chord with audiences and provide a fresh perspective on high school romance.

What If? will join a growing slate of important films under Orion Pictures, including Sarah Polley’s Women Talking, Emma Seligman’s Bottoms, and the highly anticipated film adaptation of Michelle Zauner’s memoir Crying in H Mart.

As the film begins production, fans are eager to see what Porter has in store with his directorial debut. If early reports are any indication, What If? is poised to be a breakout hit, offering a rich, emotional, and impactful narrative that is sure to make a lasting impression.