Netflix’s upcoming limited series ‘Hollywood’ has released its first trailer before its premiere, according to Deadline. Created by Ryan Murphy (Glee and American Horror Story) and Ian Brennan (Scream Queens and The Politician), the pair of frequent collaborators set on scripting this seven-part streaming drama. The limited Netflix series will center on different stories of the filmmaking industry following World War II with each character acting as a different piece to the puzzle of the Golden Age of Hollywood and will act as Murphy’s third collaboration with Netflix.
The cast includes various frequent Murphy and Brennan collaborators as usual while also portraying some of Hollywood’s biggest stars from this era. The main characters include Golden Globe winner Darren Criss (Glee and The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story) as Raymond Ainsley and David Corenswet (The Politician). Additionally, Jeremy Pope (Ain’t Too Proud) will portray Archie Coleman in addition to Laura Harrier (Spider-Man: Homecoming) as Camille Washington, Samara Weaving (SMILF) as Claire Wood, Maude Apatow (Euphoria) as Henrietta, and Holland Taylor (The Practice and Two and a Half Men) as Ellen Kincaid. Also, from Murphy’s American Horror Story family, Dylan McDermott (The Practice) will portray Ernie and Patti LuPone (Evita) as Avis Amberg.
Hollywood will also feature some actors portraying historical figures within the film industry as well. Jake Picking (The Way Way Back and Top Gun: Maverick) will play the famous actor Rock Hudson, who defined the Hollywood heartthrob across the nation despite his closeted homosexuality. Golden Globe winner Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory and The Normal Heart) will portray Henry Wilson, Hudson’s agent. Additionally, Queen Latifah (Chicago) will play Hattie McDaniel, the first person of color to win an Academy Award for her performance in Gone with the Wind, and Michelle Krusiec (One World) will play Anna May Wong, the first Chinese American star actress. To get acquainted with some of the cast and their characters, check out the series’ Twitter account to view some short vignettes.
In addition to Murphy and Brennan acting as executive producers, Hollywood will also be produced by Criss, Janet Mock (Pose), and the present of Murphy’s productions, Alexis Martin Woodall. With such a large and diverse cast of theater, film, and television stars, the limited streaming program expects to unveil different stereotypes, experiences, and discrimination that existed at the time, as well as paying homage to its aesthetic. Currently, the show is set to premiere on Netflix on May 1. Take a peek at Murphy and Brennan’s exploration of a post-WW2 Hollywood landscape below: