Pose star Dyllón Burnside is playing Detroit icon Dwen Curry in the upcoming BET+ and MegaMind Media film, Fighting To Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story.
Curry’s story combines fashion, luxury and crime alongside Curry coming to terms with their sexuality. BET+ describes the film as “a layered and complex true-crime drama that redefines what it means to be Gay, Black, and Gangster, in America.”
D.B. Woodside and A.J. Johnson are also set to star.
Here’s the full synopsis of the film:
Based on a powerful true-life story, Detroit native Dwen Curry moves to Oakland, California as a teen in the early 90s and overcomes depression, suicidal thoughts and drug addiction. There he finds success as a salon owner and celebrity stylist to LisaRaye McCoy, Mariah Carey, YoYo, Missy Elliot, DMX, and more. Fueled by his desire for a lavish lifestyle and a drive to take care of those around him, Dwen leads a secret life as the criminal mastermind of an underground organization known as the Gay Gangsters, making millions from fraud. Dwen’s life is even more complicated by his sexuality, identity, and struggles with self-acceptance as Dwen journeys from being a gay man to fully accepting herself as transgender. Dwen’s rise to celebrity is followed by her fall when she is convicted for wire fraud and sent to prison. This coming of age tale is filled with glitz, glamor, and gangster moves as we witness Dwen’s trials and eventual triumphs to not only survive but to stand strong in her authentic truth. Note: pronouns used align with Dwen’s preferences at different times of her life.
The film reunites American Gangster: Trap Queen executive producers Tressa Azareal Smallwood and Judge Greg Mathis with La Jill Hunt writing the screenplay. Curry, Donte Lee and Delece James also executive produce. Kristin Iris Johnson and Smallwood producing for MegaMind Media. Joe Carroll is set to direct.
No word on when the Fighting To Be Me: The Dwen Curry Story will be ready for release, but we should expect it in 2025.