Boots Riley, the mastermind behind the movie Sorry to Bother You, has been making waves with his new TV series, ‘I’m A Virgo’. This new series that is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video follows a 13-foot-tall, 19-year-old Black man named Cootie, who has been raised by his Aunt Lafrancine and Uncle Martisse in Oakland, California and is shielded from the outside world until being accidentally discovered by a group of teenage political activists. Recently, Boots Riley was invited as a guest on Sway In The Morning to discuss his new series. In this blog post, we will be diving deep into the conversation, sharing details about the series and why it is a must-watch show.
Boots Riley discussed the creation and development of his new series, starting with the idea of immediately creating an anti-E.T. where instead of an alien, it is a tall Black man with life struggles. He emphasized that the story of ‘I’m A Virgo’ is plausible because there is a history of rare diseases in which people grow excessively tall. Cootie’s physical appearance is meant to stand out and represents the fact that black people are often looked upon differently because of their race. The uniqueness of the character is meant to feel raw and real to viewers.
He mentioned that the show is not just about the individual but rather the politics that come with it. Riley explains that Cootie is a reflection of society and represents the issues that individuals face. The show explores the consequences of fame, how it can be used for good or bad, and how people view those who are different. It also delves into political issues such as capitalism, colonialism, and socialism which are themes that Boots Riley is well known to tackle in his works.
In another section of the conversation, Boots Riley shared how the idea for the series’ characters and plot came to him. He explained that when he began writing the show, he didn’t have a theme or plot in mind, but he wanted to explore the character of a 13-foot-tall man. He decided to adopt a science-fiction/fantasy angle and added a political overlay.
The series has received fantastic reviews, with many viewers praising the unique concept, plot, and character development. Boots Riley’s brilliant writing has once again captivated audiences, and the politics discussed in the show will keep viewers engaged. The series will resonate with anyone who feels like an outsider and has to fight to fit into a world that is not built for them.
Boots Riley’s new series, ‘I’m A Virgo,’ is a must-watch show that explores complex social and political issues while delivering a captivating and exciting storyline. It is a story about a black man who faces consequences due to his fame and uniqueness and resonates with audiences by exploring themes that are relevant in today’s society. With great reviews and celebrity endorsements, the series will have you on the edge of your seat from the first episode until the very end. So, grab a seat, pop some popcorn, and get ready to be taken on a journey through the trials and tribulations of a young Black man fighting for his place in the world.
