Hollywood refuses to fund Lilly Wachowski's new film due to its all-transgender cast

Lilly Wachowski, the acclaimed filmmaker behind "The Matrix," is encountering significant resistance from Hollywood in bringing her latest project, "The Hunted," to the screen. The dystopian political thriller, which Wachowski directed and co-wrote with her partner Mickey Ray Mahoney, features an entirely transgender cast. Despite positive reception to the script, Wachowski reports that potential financiers are unwilling to back the film, which has an estimated budget of $10 million.

"The script is liked, but they really don't want to shoot it because it has an all-transgender cast," Wachowski stated during an appearance on the KCRW podcast "The Business." She described the situation as a "wall" in Hollywood, forcing her to seek alternative avenues for distribution.

Wachowski characterized "The Hunted" as a deeply personal and cathartic endeavor. She explained that the script was born out of her response to the increasingly hostile climate and political attacks targeting transgender individuals globally. "This is a script that was extremely important for me to write. It was a response to what is happening to trans people in the world and served as a huge cathartic vessel for me to pour all my anger, rage, and frustration into," she admitted.

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The script is liked, but they really don't want to shoot it because it has an all-transgender cast.

The film's plot is set in a dystopian America where transgender people face brutalization and societal marginalization. It follows two transgender women who embark on a quest for justice after a heinous crime, uncovering a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government. The narrative aims to center transgender characters not as passive victims but as active agents fighting against systemic oppression.

Currently in development with Anarchists United, a production company co-founded by Wachowski, and supported by Ariadne, a production company led by actress Natasha Lyonne, "The Hunted" represents a significant artistic statement. Wachowski's determination to proceed despite Hollywood's reluctance underscores her commitment to telling this story with authentic representation.

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This is a script that was extremely important for me to write. It was a response to what is happening to trans people in the world and served as a huge cathartic vessel for me to pour all my anger, rage, and frustration into.