Margaret Qualley is stepping into the role of a queer detective in the upcoming film Honey, Don’t!, drawing inspiration from a surprising source—a pop star! If you guessed The 1975’s frontman Matty Healy, you’re right.
In an interview with Cosmopolitan, Qualley revealed that Healy’s unique flair helped her embody the character of lesbian detective Honey O’Donahue. “My character is very confident and talkative,” she explained. “She’s not a woman of few words. Sometimes I’ve made myself comfortable by knocking myself down. [Honey] is the opposite of that. She’s in her power—smart and sexy, a bit like a cool-guy player.”
Qualley added, “I don’t know why, but for some reason I made my physicality kind of like Matty Healy. I tried to do it like Matty would… got to feel what it would be like to be a guy hitting on a girl.”
Healy is no stranger to pushing boundaries. Known for his on-stage antics, he stirred controversy last year by kissing bassist Ross MacDonald during a performance in Malaysia and vocally opposing the country’s harsh anti-LGBTQ+ laws. These laws make homosexuality illegal, carrying severe penalties.
‘I Love the Gays, Thank You’
Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Ethan Coen, Honey, Don’t! follows Honey as she investigates a potential cult. Partnering with police officer MG Falcone, portrayed by Aubrey Plaza from Agatha All Along, the duo uncovers a series of mysterious deaths linked to a shadowy church.
When asked about her awareness of a “big queer fan base,” Qualley enthusiastically replied, “I love the gays, thank you.” This affirmation resonates deeply within the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating the diverse identities that make it vibrant.
Plaza emphasized the depth of the on-screen romance between Honey and MG, describing it as “a soul-mate kind of love, a dangerous love.” With a strong cast that includes Chris Evans as the head of the suspected cult and gay icons Billy Eichner and Charlie Day, the film promises to deliver both intrigue and representation.
Honey, Don’t! is the second installment in a “lesbian B-movie trilogy,” following Drive-Away Dolls, and is set to premiere in the UK on August 22.
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Conclusion
Margaret Qualley’s commitment to bringing a queer character to life is a testament to the ongoing need for authentic representation in film. As we celebrate stories that uplift LGBTQ+ voices, we invite you to reflect on the importance of visibility and acceptance in our communities.