Guy Pearce on Getting Back Into Drag for Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Sequel

Guy Pearce on Getting Back Into Drag for Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Sequel

As a huge fan of “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” I can’t contain my excitement at the prospect of a sequel to this iconic and groundbreaking film. The memories of Adam (Guy Pearce), Tick (Hugo Weaving), and Bernadette (Terence Stamp) on their unforgettable journey across the Australian Outback still bring a smile to my face.


Before the debut of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in the late 2000s, there existed the entertaining 1994 film titled “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” In this comedy, we encounter the journeys of two drag queens (Guy Pearce and Hugo Weaving) and a transgender woman, Terence Stamp. Their goal: to entertain audiences in the remote Australian Outback with their flamboyant cabaret act. Decades later, this movie, penned and helmed by Stephan Elliott, graced Broadway stages under a new moniker: “Priscilla Queen of the Desert — The Musical.”

There’s been growing excitement about the possibility of a sequel for “Hocus Pocus,” “Bad Boys,” and “Beverly Hills Cop.” If these films can make a comeback, then why not consider reviving Elliot’s classic comedy? Pearce, who has been making waves with his latest historical drama, “The Convert,” where he portrays a conflicted minister in an 19th-century epic, recently shared his thoughts on “Priscilla” during an interview with MovieWeb.

Based on my own experiences and understanding of the situation, I can relate to the speaker’s uncertainty. When we embark on a new project or endeavor, especially one that is in its infancy, it’s natural to feel unsure about what lies ahead. The speaker mentions that they and others involved have expressed interest in moving forward, but the specifics of what that means are still unclear. This is a common experience, particularly when venturing into unfamiliar territory. The important thing is to approach the situation with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to clear communication as more information becomes available.

Is a Drag-tastic Return to the Outback Confirmed?

Guy Pearce, who has shined in “Mare of Easttown,” “L.A. Confidential,” and “Memento,” shared his thoughts: “The original cast members believe a sequel should be just as exceptional. It’s a tall order to surpass the original film, but if we could create a worthy follow-up that feels authentic, I’d be on board.”

“I’m deeply concerned that by trying to recreate the original, we might damage its reputation and fail to live up to expectations. Unique and exceptional works from the past often face this challenge in the form of sequels. However, if we explore how these characters have changed over the years and where they stand now, we may just bring something new and intriguing to the table.”

Pearce acknowledges the value of producing a sequel in the current decade. He explained, “There’s a certain uniqueness to making a sequel three decades later compared to making one just a few years after the original’s success.” He continued, “If you rush into a sequel right away, people might criticize and say ‘they shouldn’t have touched it.’ I believe this is why some may feel that way about ‘Grease’ and ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show.’ I’m looking forward to the possibility, but as long as it’s well-executed.”

Will There Be Another ABBA Dropping?

Guy Pearce on Getting Back Into Drag for Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Sequel

Supporters of “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” developed strong connections to the personas of Adam (Pearce), Tick (Weaving), and Bernadette (Stamp). Additionally, the film’s music resonated deeply with audiences. The soundtrack was exceptionally popular – encompassing hits like “I’ve Never Been to Me” by Charlene and “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, as well as “I Love the Nightlife” by Alicia Bridges and “Finally” by CeCe Peniston.

And who can forget Pearce’s ABBA-devoted Tick’s, ah, well, memento: An eye-popping ABBA souvenir. To which Stamp’s Bernadette holds up in disgust and says, “What are you telling me? This is an ABBA turd?” Can we expect another ABBA turd should a sequel move forward?

“According to Pearce, who spoke about it, we can expect that elements which gained popularity in the initial production, having been penned by Stephan Elliot, will make a return with even more emphasis in the upcoming 2024/25 edition.”

Stephan takes pleasure in surprising people and understands better than I do which elements were effective in the initial production. Given his past success with a live stage show, he’ll undoubtedly deliver something that ardent fans will exclaim, “This is exactly what we wanted!”

As someone who has spent a considerable amount of time traveling and exploring different cultures around the world, I have come across many unique and intriguing characters. However, none have left me quite as entertained and fascinated as the eccentric drag queen, Tina Turner-esque character portrayed in “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” This iconic film is a testament to the human spirit and its ability to find joy and resilience even in the most unlikely of places.

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2024-07-17 00:32