Fans were heartbroken when The Big Bang Theory ended in 2019, with Jim Parsons being the main reason behind it. But soon after the conclusion of the sitcom, he took on a very different kind of role, one that was bold and deeply personal. That’s right, after leaving behind Sheldon’s quirky antics, Parsons got on board The Boys in the Band.
This 2020 movie was a powerful gay drama based on the groundbreaking 1968 play of the same name. Not just Parsons, the movie also featured the likes of Zachary Quinto and Matt Bomer. Let’s dive deeper to know more about the movie and how it proves that the Big Bang actor could shine just as brightly in serious roles as he did in the sitcom.
Parsons’ The Boys in the Band Features Star Trek’s Zachary Quinto and Superman: Unbound’s Matt Bomer
The Big Bang Theory launched the careers of many stars, but it was Jim Parsons who quickly became a household name thanks to his Sheldon Cooper role. In 2019, the iconic sitcom concluded after 12 glorious seasons, and he surprised viewers by taking on a bold and emotional role in a movie that showcased a completely different side of him.
That’s right, just one year after Big Bang, Parsons participated in The Boys in the Band, a Netflix drama set in the 1960s. Here, he played Michael, a gay man hosting a birthday party that quickly spirals into a night of emotional chaos. This movie was adapted from a 1968 play of the same name, written by Mart Crowley.
What makes it even more special is that it also brings back the entire Broadway cast, featuring the likes of Star Trek’s Zachary Quinto and Superman: Unbound’s Matt Bomer. Together, the trio form a powerful cast with each actor portraying a different experience of being gay during a time when accepting was quite rare and dangerous. Because of this uniqueness, it currently holds an 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The entire story of the movie takes place in Michael’s house, and as the night progresses, friendly banter quickly turns into brutal honesty, with Parsons’ Michael at the center of the drama. He delivers a brilliant performance filled with sharp wit and deep vulnerability. Moreover, this role also allows the actor to break free from his quirky sitcom image and prove his strength as a versatile actor.
Why The Boys in the Band Should’ve Been Jim Parsons’ Big Movie Break (And Why It Wasn’t)
In The Boys in the Band, Parsons played a character who was complicated and emotionally raw, living in 1960s New York. It was definitely a bold piece of cinema, so why didn’t this become his big movie moment?
At first glance, The Boys in the Band had everything going right for it. It was backed by Ryan Murphy, the genius behind Glee, Pose, and American Horror Story, and was adapted from a classic 1968 play. Not only this, but it also boasts a stellar ensemble, who had already proven their versatility in the Broadway version.
Yet, despite all these elements, it flew under the radar for one reason: the material. That’s right, while the movie made history in its time, some modern viewers find it quite outdated, as the story leans heavily on pain and self-loathing. In a world that now celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and queer rights, this story makes many feel like a step backward.
Murphy very well knew the criticism, but he still believed the movie was worth revisiting. He added via IndieWire:
I feel like the world needs more LGBTQ history. It just does [‘The Boys in the Band’] is a play that many people have looked on as problematic, when it’s seen through the current prism of, I guess – gay politics. But I was always interested in that. I thought that was a great jumping off point.
So, the problem wasn’t in the performances, as Jim Parsons in particular delivered a brilliant performance. But in a crowded streaming space and during a time when fans wanted fresh stories, The Boys in the Band just didn’t make enough noise. Had it been released in a different decade, it could’ve been Parsons’ serious movie role. Instead, it failed to become the career-defining moment it should have been.
You can currently stream The Boys in the Band in the USA on Netflix. Meanwhile, The Big Bang Theory is available to watch on Max.
