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Garrett Clayton, best known for his role as Tanner in the Disney Channel’s Teen Beach Movie franchise, is stepping into a new, deeply personal project.
Clayton has signed on to star in Our Family Pride, a coming-out story from the talented writer-director-actor Glen Evelyn, Deadline reports.
Based on Evelyn’s real-life experiences, the film promises to be a moving exploration of family, identity, and acceptance.
Our Family Pride follows the journey of Mike (played by Clayton) and his family as they navigate the challenging revelation that their father is gay.
Alongside his mother and siblings, Mike must come to terms with this new reality while grappling with their own personal struggles.
The film aims to shine a light on the often-overlooked narratives of LGBTQ+ individuals coming out later in life and the profound impact this can have on their families.
Joining Clayton in this poignant film are Chad Ridgely (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), William Mark McCullough (Manhunt), and Rachel Alig (The Cleaning Lady).
Production is set to begin later this month in Florida’s picturesque Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale areas, with Evelyn producing under his GunnerMAX Productions banner, alongside Dominic Giannetti of Giannetti Films and co-star Ridgely of Full Auto Films.
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Glen Evelyn shared his motivation behind the film, stating, “I wrote this story to help LGBTQ+ people coming out late in life to tell their stories to help their friends and families better understand and accept them. While there is greater acceptance than ever of people loving who they want to, these stories still need to be told.”
Clayton, who has continued to diversify his roles since his breakout performance in Teen Beach Movie, has also been celebrated for his performances in The Fosters and Hairspray Live! His involvement in Our Family Pride marks another significant step in his career, showcasing his commitment to stories that resonate deeply with the LGBTQ+ community.
As the film gears up for production, it promises to be a heartfelt narrative that not only entertains but also fosters greater understanding and empathy for the LGBTQ+ community. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new film that’s sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences everywhere.
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