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Maxxie LaWow: The Drag Super She-Ro You’ve Always Wanted

Updated: Feb 07, 2025 09:43
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Do you ever wish that a drag superhero could just whisk you away from the daily doom and gloom of the headlines? Even if it’s just for a minute? Well, guess what? Your wish has been granted in the form of Maxxie LaWow, a new film that’s storming through the film festival circuit like a fierce glitter tornado. Directed by the talented Anthony Hand, this movie is all about escaping the chaos and diving into a world where drag queens save the day.

The movie kicks off with Simon, a shy, young barista, who’s basically hiding from life (and love). He stumbles across a magical pink wig—because of course he does—and boom, he’s transformed into the drag super-she-ro of our dreams. Maxxie LaWow is born, and she’s ready to slay. But, of course, with great power comes a villain to match. Enter Dyna Bolical, a devious queen who’s got one goal: harvesting the tears of drag queens. Why? Because those tears have magical anti-aging properties, don’t you know? Add in some jaw-dropping dance numbers, a soundtrack you’ll want to blast on repeat, and a voice cast that includes RuPaul’s Drag Race legends like Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme, and you’ve got yourself a film that’s basically an escape room for your mind—and your heart.

Luckily for us Maxxie is having her hometown premiere on February 8 at the Roxie Theater in the Missionas part of the 27th annual San Francisco Independent Film Fest!

Get tickets right here.

Anthony Hand, director of “Maxxie LaWow” which is showing at The Roxie Theater in San Francisco on February 8, 2025. Photo by Vita Hewitt.

Anthony Hand took some time out of his schedule to tell us more about this exciting project.

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Vita HewittMaxxie LaWow blends fantasy, drag culture, and a superhero arc. What inspired you to create a character like Maxxie, and how did you balance these different elements to tell a story that’s both whimsical and meaningful?

Anthony Hand: In 2018, after watching yet another comic book superhero film, I started reflecting on how there still weren’t any mainstream movies featuring LGBTQ+ superheroes. That thought sparked the idea of creating a queer superhero, someone who could embody not just the classic hero arc, but also the unique strengths and challenges of the LGBTQ+ community.

As a devoted viewer of RuPaul’s Drag Race, I kept circling back to drag queens. On the show, queens often share how they feel transformed by getting into drag—it’s like putting on armor, making them feel bolder and ready to face anything. I found these stories incredibly inspiring and felt they perfectly fit a superhero story. I decided to make a drag queen the hero—or ‘she-ro’—of this film.

Maxie LaWoww voiced by Grant Hodges, a shy retiring barista until a magic pink wig finds him.

VH: The film takes on a unique narrative where drag queens become larger-than-life heroes. How do you see Maxxie’s journey as not just a superhero story, but also a deeply personal one about self-discovery and acceptance?

AH: An important theme in the film is the inner journey of self-discovery. It’s about realizing that, even when we feel powerless, we have the strength within us to create change. The film shows that embracing our true selves, no matter how unconventional that may be, is where the true power lies.

Personally, I’ve gone through my own journey of self-discovery. I’ve doubted my strength at times, but I’ve learned that pushing through fear can lead to accomplishments I never thought possible. For example, when I did the AIDS/Lifecycle bike ride from San Francisco to LA, I never thought I could do it—but I did. Crossing that finish line made me feel invincible, and I want Maxxie’s story to convey that same sense of empowerment.

Dyna Bolical voiced by Terren Wooten Clarke plays the drag villain to end all drag villains in Maxxie LaWoww directed by Anthony Hand.

VH: Dyna Bolical, the villain, adds a fierce edge to the story. What was the process like creating such an over-the-top antagonist, and how does she serve as more than just a typical “bad guy” in this world?

AH: Dyna isn’t just evil for the sake of being evil—she represents the dangers of exploiting something beautiful for personal gain. Her character is a fun, exaggerated way of showing the impact of commodifying the LGBTQ+ community. I also wanted to make sure her portrayal was over-the-top in a way that’s both fierce and funny, adding a whole new level of camp.

VH: The magical pink wig plays a pivotal role in Simon’s transformation into Maxxie. Can you talk a bit about the symbolism behind the wig and what it represents in Simon’s journey toward embracing their true identity?

AH: In the world of drag, wigs are such a central part of a queen’s identity. They’re bold, they’re transformative, and they allow the queen to step into a new persona. I wanted the wig to be a key part of Simon’s transformation. When he first finds it, he’s unsure and shy, but the wig helps unlock a hidden reservoir of courage within him.

The wig is not just a magical object; it’s a symbol of Simon’s growth, of finding his inner strength. It’s fun and silly, but also a powerful tool in his journey of self-discovery.

Heidi N Closet plays one of the abducted Queens.

VH: The film also features a standout aerial lip-sync showdown. How did you approach blending choreography, action, and music to create such a thrilling and visually striking scene?

AH: From the beginning, I knew the film needed incredible songs and jaw-dropping lip syncs. Music is such a core element of drag, and I wanted to create tracks that were as catchy and powerful as possible. We worked with amazing songwriters to craft original pop songs that would feel larger-than-life.

As for choreography, I worked with Rory Davis, a talented dancer in the Bay Area, to create moves that would really pop on screen. The aerial lip-sync showdown was something I envisioned early on—it’s a campy, over-the-top sequence that pays tribute to the performances we love, but we cranked it up to 11!

With all that, Maxxie LaWow is a dazzling mix of drag, fantasy, and superhero fun. Keep an eye out—this is one escapist adventure you won’t want to miss!

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Vita Hewitt

Vita Hewitt

Vita is a half Chinese-Malaysian, photograph taking, plant foraging, vegetable garden growing, astronaut impersonating, conceptual art creating Bay Area human. She loves exploring the intricacies of the Bay Area Art Scene.