Hayley Kiyoko Wants a Lesbian Pirates of the Caribbean
At a UTA‑hosted panel, singer‑actress Hayley Kiyoko revealed her ambition to direct a queer take on Pirates of the Caribbean, envisioning a lesbian pirate starring a gay Keira Knightley. The event also highlighted the dream projects of other filmmakers, including Adam Shankman’s adaptation of Sprin…
By Felo News Desk · Published
During a UTA‑Proud fundraiser in Beverly Hills, Hayley Kiyoko announced her most daring creative ambition yet: a lesbian‑themed Pirates of the Caribbean. She imagined a queer version of the iconic swashbuckling saga, featuring a gay Keira Knightley as the lead pirate captain.
What the Singer‑Writer Envisioned
Kiyoko, who has already made a name for herself as a musician, novelist and filmmaker, described the project as “very gay and fantastical.” She said the idea came to her while thinking about how much representation is still missing in mainstream adventure films. “I would love to do a lesbian pirate show or movie—Keira Knightley, but gay,” she told the audience, adding that the film would celebrate same‑sex love on the high seas.
Other Filmmakers Share Their Dream Projects
The panel, titled “Saving Queer Media,” also featured directors Angela Robinson, Adam Shankman and Wash Westmoreland. Variety’s Marc Malkin moderated the discussion, while UTA Proud hosted the event. The fundraiser aimed to support the Los Angeles‑based LGBTQ+ film festival Outfest.
Shankman, known for directing Hairspray and Rock of Ages, spoke about his wish to adapt the Tony‑Award‑winning rock musical Spring Awakening for the big screen. He acknowledged the story’s difficult subject matter but insisted that its emotional depth would make it a powerful film. He added that if the project never came to fruition, he would be content to let it remain a stage production.
Westmoreland, who directed Still Alice and Heartstopper Forever, revealed plans to adapt Chris Bryant’s 2020 book The Glamour Boys: The Secret Story of the Rebels Who Fought for Britain to Defeat Hitler. He described the book as a true story set in 1930s Britain, where queer MPs secretly enjoyed Berlin’s nightlife before the rise of the Nazis. Westmoreland sees the story as a “queer war hero” narrative that mirrors contemporary struggles for LGBTQ rights.
Angela Robinson, writer and director of Professor Marsten and the Wonder Women, talked about her attempt to turn her 2004 action comedy D. E. B. S. into a television series. She noted that while the stars sometimes align, the project remains on hold.
Hayley Kiyoko’s Recent Work and Future Plans
Earlier this year, Kiyoko made her directorial debut with Girls Like Girls, a YA romance based on her own novel and hit song. She explained that she initially tried to secure a film deal based solely on the song, but financing only materialized after the novel became a bestseller. Kiyoko is now eyeing her second novel, Where There’s Room for Us, as a potential film project. She described it as a period piece that “no one wants to pay for, but they will one day.” The audience applauded her optimism.
Why These Projects Matter
Each filmmaker’s dream project reflects a broader push for LGBTQ representation in mainstream media. By envisioning queer protagonists in historically male‑dominated genres—pirate adventures, musical dramas, wartime politics—these creators aim to reshape audience expectations and broaden the cultural conversation around queer narratives.
These ambitions also highlight the challenges of securing funding for stories that deviate from conventional Hollywood formulas. Yet the enthusiasm of the panelists suggests that the industry is slowly opening up to more diverse storytelling.
What’s Next?
While none of the projects discussed are guaranteed to move forward, the panel’s energy signals a growing momentum. Outfest’s fundraising success may provide a launchpad for some of these ideas, and the filmmakers’ public statements could attract investors who share their vision. Fans of queer cinema will likely keep an eye on UTA’s upcoming announcements for any progress on these projects.
Key facts
- Hayley Kiyoko wants a queer Pirates of the Caribbean starring a gay Keira Knightley
- Adam Shankman aims to film Spring Awakening
- Wash Westmoreland plans to adapt The Glamour Boys
- Angela Robinson seeks to turn D. E. B. S. into a TV series
- All projects emphasize LGBTQ visibility in mainstream genres
Why it matters
These projects illustrate a growing demand for LGBTQ representation in mainstream media, challenging traditional genre conventions and opening doors for diverse storytelling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main idea behind Kiyoko’s pirate film?
She wants a queer version of Pirates of the Caribbean featuring a lesbian pirate captain, with a gay Keira Knightley in the lead role.
Which event hosted these discussions?
The UTA‑Proud panel titled “Saving Queer Media” in Beverly Hills, which raised funds for Outfest.
What other projects were mentioned?
Shankman’s Spring Awakening film, Westmoreland’s The Glamour Boys adaptation, and Robinson’s D. E. B. S. TV series.
Are any of these projects confirmed?
No, they are all dream projects; none have been greenlit yet.
Why is this significant?
It shows a growing demand for LGBTQ stories in high‑budget, mainstream media.
Sources
- [1] variety.com — originally reported as “Hayley Kiyoko Wants to Make a Lesbian ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’: ‘Keira Knightley, But Gay’”
