Luke Macfarlane has joined the cast of Universal’s new comedy picture Bros. According to Deadline, the Canadian-American actor will play Billy Eichner‘s love interest opposite the latter. With this cast, Universal Pictures can claim two firsts: the first homosexual rom-com from a major studio and the first picture with two openly gay male leads. The film will follow “two gay males with commitment concerns who attempt a relationship,” according to the press release.
The Casting of Seth Macfarlane and His Previous Works
Luke Macfarlane has appeared in various TV shows, including Killjoys, Mercy Street, Satisfaction, The Night Shift, and Over There, and would currently play the second lead in Bros. Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher, as well as APA and Management 360, represent the actor.
During an interview with The Globe and Mail in 2008, Macfarlane revealed that he was gay. “I don’t know what will happen professionally…that is my fear,” he remarked as he emerged from the closet. “But I guess I can’t really be concerned about what will happen because it is my reality,” he added.
According to reports, Eichner and his team have been eyeing Macfarlane for the role for the past two years, despite suggestions from sources close to the production that a bigger actor be hired.
View this post on Instagram
The actor’s sexual orientation is also said to have played a role in his casting, as Eichner has previously stated that he would not want to star opposite a heterosexual actor. “I’m an EP on [the film] and am extensively involved in every aspect.
As a result, I was privy to casting talks, and I was able to see when casting lists were being circulated, indicating which actors should be called in for which roles “In July 2020, Eichner told Deadline.
Production Team and Additional Cast for ‘Bros’
Nicholas Stoller, who helmed Forgetting Sarah Marshall in 2008 and Neighbors in 2014, will direct the rom-com starring Eichner and Luke Macfarlane.
Along with Eichner, Stoller will also act as a co-writer and co-producer on the project, with Judd Apatow and Joshua Church serving as producers. Bros’ extended cast has yet to be revealed.
Billy Eichner is Thrilled for the movie
Eichner, who acts in, co-writes, and executive co-produces Bros, has been sharing his enthusiasm on social media since the film’s announcement. “I honestly can’t believe it…. move over Julia Roberts, there’s a new rom com QUEEN in town!” he tweeted on March 5, 2021, in response to the Hollywood Reporter’s tweet [which contained the film’s announcement].
His message was later retweeted by Universal Pictures, who stated, “”Oh good, they mean me,” the actress responded, “we stan our new rom com queen.” For a brief moment, I mistook them for talking about The Rock. @UniversalPics, thank you very much!!! Come on, let’s make history!!!”
The 42-year-old shared a screenshot of The Wrap’s piece on Bros on Instagram the same day, adding, “I’M MAKING A MOVIE!!!!” He went on to say that he would be the first out homosexual man to create and star in a major studio-produced rom-com that represented the LGBTQ community.
Eichner has been acting since 2005 and was previously the star, executive producer, and creator of Funny Or Die’s Billy on the Street, a truTV comic game program. The actor is well recognized for his roles on Parks and Recreation as Craig Middlebrooks and Timon in the 2019 adaptation of The Lion King.
Also, Read Angel Adoree, Ava Michelle Cota, Kaitlin Sharkey, Melanie Olmstead