No, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar is not a remake of The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. While the two films share striking similarities in their plot, To Wong Foo was already in production before Priscilla was released, indicating independent development rather than one being a direct adaptation of the other.
Understanding the Relationship Between the Films
Many viewers often draw parallels between To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995) and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) due to their shared thematic elements and core plot. Both films revolve around a road trip adventure undertaken by drag queens (and in Priscilla's case, a transgender woman), who encounter and ultimately charm the residents of small, often conservative, towns along their journey.
Key Similarities and Differences:
- Shared Plot Elements: Both movies feature:
- Two drag queens and a transgender woman (or a character perceived as such) embarking on a road trip.
- Their journey involving a broken-down vehicle in a rural, isolated community.
- The initial apprehension of locals turning into acceptance and camaraderie.
- Themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and challenging societal norms.
- Independent Production Timelines: Despite these resemblances, the production timelines confirm they are not remakes of each other. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert premiered in 1994, gaining critical acclaim and international attention. To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar was released in 1995, but its development and production had already commenced prior to Priscilla's debut. This timing means that neither film could have been a direct remake or adaptation of the other's completed work.
- Cultural Impact: Both films became significant cultural touchstones for LGBTQ+ representation in cinema, particularly for their portrayal of drag culture and challenging stereotypes. They both contributed to broader conversations about identity, community, and the power of embracing one's true self.
| Feature | To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar | The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 1995 | 1994 |
| Primary Cast | Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo | Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce |
| Core Plot | Drag queens on a road trip to a national pageant | Drag queens/transgender woman on a road trip to perform |
| Relationship | Independently produced | Independently produced |
In essence, while they might be considered spiritual kin due to their remarkably similar premises and themes, To Wong Foo is an original film that coincidentally shares a narrative structure with Priscilla.
