Remember a year ago when the world was obsessed with Joe Exotic and the “Tiger King” docuseries on Netflix? It seemed to be released at the exact right time when the world was shutting down, due to the pandemic, and everyone needed something to watch and laugh at. Well, since then, work has been happening on the upcoming series, “Joe Exotic,” which takes the Tiger King’s story and adapts it for a limited series event. Now, after an extensive search, we know who UCP has brought on to play Joe Exotic in the series. And honestly, sorry to Rob Lowe and everyone else that wanted the role, you’re not as good of a choice as this.
READ MORE: Kate McKinnon’s ‘Joe Exotic’ Series To Debut On NBC, Peacock & USA Network
According to Variety, John Cameron Mitchell is set to take on the role of Joe “Exotic” Schreibvogel in “Joe Exotic,” which is set to debut on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock simultaneously. Mitchell joins the already-announced Kate McKinnon in the cast. The latter plays the infamous Carole Baskin in the story of a feud between two exotic animal keepers that descends into deadly territory.
“I’m thrilled to take on the role of this modern folk antihero,” said Mitchell. “Joe and I are the same age and like him, I grew up queer in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, so I feel like I know a little bit about this guy and his desperate attempt to conquer an inhospitable world.”
Steven O’Neill, executive vice president of casting and talent development for UCP added, “It’s clear that an over-the-top character like Joe needed someone very special. We are so excited to have John Cameron Mitchell, an adored icon of the LGBTQ community, take on this compelling role. His casting speaks to our ongoing vision of universal storytelling, and we can’t wait for our audiences to experience the show.”
John Cameron Mitchell is probably best known for writing, directing, and starring in the musical, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” Since then, he’s been a fairly constant presence both in front of and behind the camera. Most recently, he’s seen in a funny supporting role in the Hulu series, “Shrill.”
It’s unclear when production will begin on “Joe Exotic,” but the series will definitely get a lot of attention now with McKinnon and Mitchell leading the cast.
