Sebastian Stan and Leo Woodall to Star as Gay Couple in Justin Kurzel’s ‘Burning Rainbow Farm’
Coming in fresh from Cannes buzz, it’s been confirmed that Thunderbolts star Sebastian Stan and Prime Target’s breakout Leo Woodall are set to lead Burning Rainbow Farm, the latest feature from acclaimed director Justin Kurzel (Nitram, The Order). According to Deadline, the film is being introduced to international buyers at Cannes by Rocket Science, with CAA Media Finance handling the North American distribution rights.
Based on the book by Dean Kuipers, Burning Rainbow Farm tells the true—and tragically overlooked—story of Tom Crosslin and Rollie Rohm, a gay couple who, in rural Michigan, created a peaceful, pot-friendly haven known as Rainbow Farm. But their dream was cut short when the state came after them. After their son was taken away and tensions with authorities escalated, what followed was one of the most devastating and dramatic sieges in U.S. history.
The script comes from Tommy Murphy, best known for Holding the Man, a queer classic that still hits us right in the chest. That alone tells us Burning Rainbow Farm is in good hands, and Kurzel’s direction promises a deeply emotional, visually striking portrayal of this heartbreaking chapter in queer history.
Speaking to Deadline, Kurzel said: “Burning Rainbow is a love story about two outliers who raise their middle finger to hate and declare ‘This is who we are, and we dare you to take it from us.’ I’m excited to create this loveable and courageous couple with Sebastian and Leo, their union will be one to remember.”
Honestly, we’re already emotional.
The film is being produced by Nicole O’Donohue, Kurzel, and Alexandra Taussig for Thirdborn, along with Adam Shulman of Anonymous Content, Alix Madigan of Mad Dog Films, and Justin Lothrop and Brent Stiefel of Votiv.
While we don’t know much else yet—no release date, no stills, no teaser—we’ll be keeping a close eye on this one. A true story centered on a queer couple, told with the care of a queer screenwriter and the talent of Sebastian Stan and Leo Woodall? Yes, please. We’ll be first in line, and we’ll make sure you’re the first to know when more details drop.
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Featured Image: Sebastian Stan and Leo Woodall. Images via Getty Images. Credit to Christina House and Daniele Venturelli.
