25 years since its initial release, the quirky comedy “But I’m a Cheerleader” continues to uplift fans who appreciate its cult status. Director Jamie Babbit made her feature directorial debut with this project featuring Natasha Lyonne as Megan, a cheerleader at high school who is sent to rehabilitation camp for homosexuality, suspected by her loved ones.
The filmmaker developed the concept for the movie following a reading of an article on gay rehabilitation centers, enlisting Brian Wayne Peterson to draft the screenplay. Later, director Babbit chose Clea Duvall (from her short film “Sleeping Beauties”) to play Megan’s romantic interest. Initially, Rosario Dawson was a potential lead, but the role ultimately went to Lyonne, who had previously starred in “Slums of Beverly Hills” and expressed interest after reading the script that Duvall had in her car. Bud Cort, Melanie Lynskey, and Michelle Williams also joined the cast for this production.
Jamie was furious because I had to wear a sports bra for the cheers, and she scolded me, ‘How could you do this?’ I replied, ‘I don’t know what happened!’
Following its debut in Toronto in 1999, “But I’m a Cheerleader” was acquired by New Line; however, the deal eventually fell apart and Lionsgate seized it later on. Initially, it received an NC-17 rating, but director Babbit managed to secure an R rating after making two minor adjustments, such as eliminating a line about oral sex between two female characters. “I was extremely upset with the ratings board and their overly conservative and sexist approach,” Babbit expressed.
Initially released on July 7, 2000, the film “But I’m a Cheerleader” earned $2.5 million at the box office ($4.8 million adjusted for inflation) but has since gained a dedicated fanbase, particularly among members of the LGBTQ community. Jamie Babbit, the director who now works on “Only Murders in the Building,” stated, “The queer community deserves stories with happy endings.”
You can find this article in the June 11 edition of The Hollywood Reporter periodical. If you’d like to receive future issues, consider subscribing by clicking here.
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2025-06-15 20:25