Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero, the world’s first animated feature film centered on a drag queen superhero, will be released on TVOD platforms—including Amazon, iTunes, Google, and Dish—on Tuesday, June 17. Created and directed by Anthony Hand, this dazzling fusion of drag culture, high-energy music, and superhero fantasy follows Simon, a shy barista who discovers a magical wig that transforms him into the fierce and fabulous Maxxie LaWow. As Maxxie, Simon must embrace his power, protect his community, and take on the villainous Dyna Bolical, a drag queen scientist determined to reclaim her family’s fortune at any cost. Her devious plan involves an unusual beauty secret (drag queen tears!) that forces Maxxie to rise to the challenge and save the day. Beneath the wigs and shade, the film delivers a heartfelt message about self-acceptance and the power of chosen family.
Voicing many of the film’s colorful characters are some of today’s most celebrated drag personalities from RuPaul’s Drag Race, including Jinkx Monsoon, BenDeLaCrème, Monét X Change, and Rosé. Newcomer Grant Hodges voices Simon and Maxxie La Wow and Broadway and television actor Terren Wooten Clarke lends his voice to the film’s formidable villain, Dyna Bolical.
Anthony Hand’s journey to filmmaking was far from typical. Raised in a small farming village in Southeast Michigan, Hand never imagined a future in Hollywood. It wasn’t until 2018, after realizing the lack of LGBTQ+ superheroes in mainstream media, that he decided to take action. Moved by the personal stories of drag performers on Drag Race, he set out to merge drag artistry with animated storytelling, creating a vibrant, laugh-out-loud adventure infused with heart and music.
One of the biggest creative hurdles was translating the larger-than-life essence of drag into animation. Hand teamed up with Chubby Beagle Productions, a studio deeply rooted in drag culture, and brought on Johnny Burgess as character designer. Every frame was crafted with authenticity—from the intricate movements of wigs and gowns to the film’s show-stopping lip-sync battle packed with clack fans, makeup powder attacks, and aerial choreography.
Music is central to Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero, too, with four original pop tracks propelling the story forward. Grammy-nominated vocalist Angie Fisher delivers powerhouse performances on songs like “Bye Girl Bye,” an anthem of self-empowerment, and “Shero,” a high-energy opening number celebrating individuality. Composers Dave Volpe and Electropoint (Roman Molino Dunn) crafted a soundtrack that blends campy fun with deep emotional resonance.
As the first animated feature spotlighting a drag queen superhero, Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero represents a landmark in LGBTQ+ storytelling. “In a time when LGBTQ+ voices are being challenged, we need stories that celebrate our resilience, our joy, and our magic,” says Hand. “Simon’s journey is about learning to believe in yourself,” he adds. “His transformation into Maxxie represents that moment we all experience—when we stop waiting for permission and start embracing the powerful person we truly are.”
The film has already garnered critical acclaim, winning Best Animation at this year’s San Francisco Independent Film Festival, the Impact Award at the Washington, D.C. Independent Film Forum, and both Director’s Choice and Festival Favorite at Cinema Diverse.
Breaking Glass Pictures, a leading distributor known for championing independent LGBTQ+ cinema, acquired the film for North American distribution and is licensing the worldwide rights. CEO Rich Wolff recalls being instantly captivated by the film. “Maxxie LaWow is such a joyful, outrageous celebration of queer culture, identity, and drag artistry,” he says. “It is a wild, witty, and unapologetically fun animated adventure that delivers both laughs and heart.”
Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero will release to TVOD platforms Amazon, iTunes, Google, indemand, Dish, DirectV and VUDU on Tuesday, June 17.
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