Jeremy Allen White might be best known for heating up kitchens in The Bear, stirring up drama in Shameless, or those insanely hot photos for his Calvin Klein campaign, but his next dish is sure to satisfy our hunger for complex, queer storytelling.
The Emmy- and Golden Globe–winning star has signed on to not only headline but also executive produce a Netflix adaptation of André Aciman’s novel Enigma Variations—and rumor has it he’ll be slipping into the shoes (and heart) of a bisexual lead character named Paul.
Bi Bye, Monotony!
If André Aciman’s name rings a bell, it’s because he also wrote Call Me By Your Name, the coming-of-age novel that turned Timothée Chalamet into everyone’s favorite peach-loving dreamboat.
With Enigma Variations, Aciman again dives into the complexities of love and longing, but this time the focus shifts to Paul, a character whose desires are as ever-changing as the scenic backdrops of his life.
Exploring Paul’s Many Passions
Originally published in 2017, Enigma Variations follows Paul from his teenage years into adulthood.
One moment, he’s crushing on his family’s Italian cabinetmaker; the next, he’s forging a deep connection with a woman he meets on a snowy New England campus; then, we see him stealing intimate encounters with men in places like Central Park and bustling New York sidewalks.
The Bear. Instagram: @fx
Paul’s attachments—all underpinned by a fierce, if sometimes confusing, bisexual desire—slip in and out of his grasp.
As the title suggests, Paul is an “enigma” not just to others, but to himself.
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Jeremy Allen White Embracing the Fluid
Enter Jeremy Allen White, who, according to the official synopsis, will embody Paul’s “hopes, denials, fears, and regrets” as he navigates a series of entanglements.
For fans of White’s previous roles—where he’s delivered raw vulnerability and edgy charm—this bisexual turn promises to be both boundary-pushing and swoon-worthy.
Instagram: @JeremyAllenWhiteFinally
While we’ve seen a handful of queer storylines in streaming dramas, the chance to watch an A-list actor openly explore a bisexual journey is chef’s kiss for representation.
The Creative Team & Timing
Alongside White, the series is being backed by Media Res, Deadline writes.
Amanda Kate Shulman is on board as writer, executive producer, and showrunner, while Oliver Hermanus (celebrated director of LGBTQ+ dramas like Moffie) will both direct and executive produce.
Aciman himself isn’t sitting out: he’ll be an executive producer too, ensuring the source material’s trademark intimacy and emotional honesty make their way to the screen.
Since this adaptation is still in early development, details like filming dates and supporting cast remain hush-hush.
That said, if the success of Call Me By Your Name (and the devoted fanbase behind Aciman’s novels) is any indication, Enigma Variations might just become Netflix’s next must-see for love-triangle junkies and hopeless romantics alike.
Why This Matters
Bisexual representation on television can still feel like a rare gem—especially for men—so White’s portrayal of Paul could pave the way for more layered, inclusive storytelling.
Expect Enigma Variations to spotlight the notion that sexuality doesn’t always come with easy labels or tidy narratives.
Sometimes it’s fluid, messy, and downright unpredictable—just like life.
So, brace yourselves, darlings! If Jeremy Allen White’s on-screen sizzle wasn’t enough to reel you in, the promise of a passionate, bisexual character journey—penned by the guy who gave us Call Me By Your Name—will certainly have you counting down the days till this Netflix treat graces our queues.
Will Jeremy Allen White’s Paul pick the Italian cabinetmaker, the snowbound New England sweetheart, or the enticing men he meets by chance?
We can’t wait to see the drama unfold—and to watch a star like White step boldly into a role that celebrates the beautiful enigma of bi desire.
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