Queer as Folk creator Russell T Davies gives his verdict on reboot: ‘The past is irrelevant’
The screenwriter speaks out as the cast of the all-new Queer as Folk appear on the cover of Attitude's July/August issue.
Words: Jamie Tabberer; pictures: Leigh Keily (left) and Kit Oates
Russell T Davies’ has praised the reimaginged version of his 90s TV classic Queer As Folk.
The original show, which launched on Channel 4 in 1999 and changed LGBTQ representation on TV forever, starred Aidan Gillen as Stuart, Charlie Hunnam as Nathan and Craig Kelly as Vince.
After a Pittsburgh-set remake, which ran from 2000-2005, a fresh, New Orleans-set take on the Queer as Folk story launches on on 9 June on Peacock in the US and on 1 July Starzplay in the UK.
The cast of Queer as Folk for the Attitude July/August issue
Speaking to Attitude’s July/August Pride issue, Davies calls the show – starring Devin Way, Fin Argus, CG, Jesse James Keitel, and Ryan O’Connell – “the ultimate compliment.”
“It’s the ultimate compliment, really, to think that this lovely old title lives on,” Davies tells us. “But the past is irrelevant. It’s much more important that Queer as Folk exists now, speaking to 2022.
“That’s what Stephen Dunn did, when he came to our Manchester office. He wasn’t interested in nostalgia — like any good writer, he had things to say about today! And he’s burnt them onto the screen.”
Russell T Davies at the 2021 Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar
The It’s A Sin screenwriter added: “I’m delighted to have met a brand-new visionary and, I think, a lifelong friend.”
Russell spoke to Attitude as part of our cover feature, in which we interview Dunn and the six-strong main cast of the third version of Queer As Folk.
Queer as Folk will premiere on Peackock on Thursday 9 June in the US and on Starzplay on Friday 1 July in the UK.
The Attitude July/August issue featuring the cast of Queer as Folk is out on 9 June. Preorder here.