Arts & Entertainment
‘King Cobra’ director says James Franco isn’t gay-baiting fans
Justin Kelly says the actor’s interest in LGBT content is genuine
(Screenshot via YouTube)
“King Cobra” director Justin Kelly doesn’t think James Franco is gay-baiting to help his career.
Franco has recently opened up about his views on sexuality in his work and own life, calling himself “a little gay” speaking with New York magazine.
In an interview with The Daily Beast, Kelly says Franco, who starred in “I Am Michael,” hasn’t received a positive reaction talking about his interest in gay culture.
“Before ‘I Am Michael’ he had already done a slew of gay-themed films. So before I ever met him or worked with him, I heard the conversation from within the gay community, which was typically very negative and skeptical. That he’s taking roles from gay actors, or what have you,” Kelly told The Daily Beast.
Franco, who has said he enjoys putting gay content in his films, stars in the upcoming “King Cobra,” a film about the 2007 murder of adult entertainment director Bryan Kocis.
Kelly says what Franco is doing isn’t hurting the gay community.
“But at this point I find myself being very defensive. Because honestly what he’s doing is more progressive and far more helpful to the gay community than—I’m going to put my foot in my mouth so I’m going to stop there,” Kelly continued.
Kelly also says Franco’s interest in making gay films isn’t calculated to earn gay fans.
“But for an actor of his caliber to say that he picks roles based on character and story, and sexuality is secondary, to keep playing gay characters, is a good thing. It’s wildly progressive. I don’t really understand [the conversation] because the whole point of what I feel like the gay community’s goal, to be quote-unquote ‘normal’ is having actors do what he does,” Kelly says.
“Even people will question his sexuality because he plays gay, it’s backwards to me. Why are you assuming that he’s gay because he keeps playing gay characters? And does that mean that gay actors can’t play straight characters? It goes both ways,” Kelly continued.
“King Cobra” also stars Keegan Allen, Garrett Clayton, Christian Slater and Molly Ringwald.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
The Washington Blade held its 18th annual Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach, Del., on Friday, May 16. Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer spoke along with State Sen. Russ Huxtable, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey, Blade Editor Kevin Naff, and Clear Space Theatre Managing Director Joe Gfaller. The event raises funds for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism, which was awarded to AU student Abigail Hatting.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
In some fowl fiction foreshadowing, a gay-owned chicken joint has come home to roost on U Street, taking a page from the chicken window subplot on the HBO show “Looking.”
Last Friday, Lucky Pollo – much more than just a takeout window – stretched its wings atop the busy nightlife corner of 14th and U Streets NW.
Behind the poultry production place is Zach Renovátes, a D.C.-based nightlife operator and managing partner of LGBTQ venues Bunker and District Eagle, as well as the LGBTQ event production company KINETIC Presents.
Renovátes opened Bunker in February 2023 and District Eagle in January of this year. Lucky Pollo is the third in his growing gay empire, though this time there are noshes.
“Lucky Pollo was meant to be fun and a little provocative,” Renovátes said.
Based around its Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken, Lucky Pollo is a quick-service restaurant boasting a small menu of poultry and sides. Renovátes says that the dishes are deeply rooted in Peruvian culinary tradition, “a playful experience alongside seriously good food.”
Lucky Pollo’s signature chicken is steeped in a dozen-plus-spice marinade for 24 hours. The meat is then slow-roasted, rotisserie-style, over oak-wood charcoal. Chicken options include quarter, half, and whole.
Helming the kitchen at Lucky Pollo is Chef Luis Herrera, who brings Peruvian recipes passed down through three generations, including his grandmother Laura’s original creations.
Beyond the full bird, the menu features Peruvian-inspired sides like yuca fries (“I personally love these,” says Renovátes) and fried plantains, as well as comfort classics such as mac and cheese and mashed potatoes, and bowls, wraps, and salads. Herrera oversees development of the multiple sauces (including staff favorite, the “secret green sauce”), crafted in-house using traditional Peruvian ingredients.
Lucky Pollo, in its streetside perch, is an independent concept from District Eagle, open to the public and staying open late (3 a.m. on weekends) to serve both nightlife guests and the wider U Street crowd hungry for late-night bites. However, just beyond the kitchen, tucked in the back lies a vintage 1950s candy machine—labeled “Out of Order,” which serves as the door leading to subterranean District Eagle.
Renovátes notes that when District Eagle is open, security staff will maintain a strict two-line policy, ensuring that those seeking meat to eat will not get entwined with those looking to gain access to District Eagle.
Lucky Pollo unites the need for sustenance with the idea of a bit of fortune, given its motto, “Get Lucky” and the whimsical brand mascot: a leather-booted chicken perched on a horseshoe. Renovátes and his District Eagle business partner had always been interested in opening a restaurant, and the Lucky Pollo space was indeed lucky: It already came with a functional kitchen. Plus, he says, the nearby fast-casual places around 14th and U streets “don’t offer a lot of quality options,” so opening the chicken spot “was a no-brainer.”
The space, designed by NYC creative Jasin Cadic, blends theatrical street-art-style vibes with Keith Haring-inspired wall prints, neon signs, and ceiling-hung chicken figurines —”some edgy, some sweet,” says Renovátes —creating an immersive, playful atmosphere. Lucky Pollo and District Eagle maintain separate amenities for their respective customers.
Lucky Pollo opened last week with a competition to devour a whole rotisserie chicken in the fastest time, with the winner earning $1,000 and a framed spot on the restaurant’s “Wall of Fame.” The opening also featured other games and prizes, and a full crowd spilling out the door.
“We want it to be a great place to eat, but also serve as a playful front for something completely unexpected.” Renovátes says.
On weekends especially, he jokes, the motto will be, ‘Come for the chicken, stay for the cock.’”
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