Ryan Murphy’s FX ‘Pose’ Gains a Series Order, Loses Tatiana Maslany

Ryan Murphy’s ‘80s ball culture drama Pose already made history with its volume of transgender stars in major roles, and now FX is making it official. The LGBTQ drama has an official series order and first photo, though a slight casting shakeup means that Orphan Black star Tatiana Maslany will no longer take part.

FX confirmed that the dance musical series would begin production of its first eight episodes in February 2018, aiming for a summer premiere. The series features transgender performers MJ Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson, Indya Moore, Hailie Sahar and Angelica Ross, along with stars James Van Der Beek and American Horror Story alum Evan Peters and Kate Mara. FX also notes that Tatiana Maslany’s role was re-imagined during production as a 50-year-old African-American woman, and will now be played by The Leftovers alum Charlayne Woodard.

Set in the 1980s, Pose follows “the juxtaposition of several segments of life and society in New York: the rise of the luxury Trump-era universe, the downtown social and literary scene and the ball culture world.” Said Murphy of the series order:

I am thrilled to join forces with John Landgraf and FX Networks and FXP and Dana Walden, Gary Newman and Fox 21 Television Studios to present what I think is a game changer of a show, which at its heart is an uplifting series about the universal quest for identity, family and respect. Along with being a dance musical and an affirming look at American life in the 1980s, I’m so proud that Pose and FX has made history right from the beginning by featuring the most trans series regular actors ever in an American television production. Additionally, the first season Pose will feature 50-plus LGBTQ characters – a record in American television history. I can’t wait for people to see this incredibly talented, passionate cast.

The above pilot photo features Indya Moore as “Angel” competing in the 1987 ballroom category “ROYALTY REALNESS.” The press release also notes that “Ballroom legends and survivors served as consultants for this and other scenes.” Stay tuned for the latest on Pose in the meantime.