Why did Luke Grimes leave True Blood?

The premiere of the final season of True Blood had a few surprises, including the recasting of vampire James, who was originally played by Luke Grimes. The role now belongs to Nathan Parsons.

A publicist for Grimes insists his departure is the result of scheduling conflicts. The actor is also juggling filming of Fifty Shades of Grey, Shangri-La Suite and American Sniper.

However, an HBO spokesperson claims, “The role of James is being recast due to the creative direction of the character.”

A source “close to the situation” tells TV Line, “[Grimes] initially joined the show because he wanted to work with [his Forever co-star] Deborah Ann Woll. But when he started reading the scripts for Season 7, he was disappointed to learn that they were going in a completely different direction with James.”

Since the direction True Blood is taking James will probably have him landing on Lafayette’s dick before mid-season, is the real reason Grimes decided to leave the show rooted in homophobia?

Keep Reading

The cover of Charity and Sylvia

‘Charity and Sylvia’ beautifully illustrates a real-life 19th-century lesbian couple

Tillie Walden’s new graphic novel tracks the true story of Charity Bryant and Sylvia Drake’s decades-long New England romance
Portland Fire guard Bridget Carleton (6) drives against Toronto Tempo forward Nyara Sabally (8).

The Toronto Tempo are a much-needed source of hope and connection for Canada’s queer community

Women’s sports are booming in North America. Canada’s first WNBA team is meeting the moment

Should AI use stop you from seeing ‘Stop! That! Train!’?

Director Adam Shankman told Xtra that the film actually did use some AI in its visual effects
Marcia Marcia Marcia, Brooke Lynn Hytes, and Symone in STOP! THAT! TRAIN!

‘Stop! That! Train!’ director Adam Shankman says the movie used AI

Shankman sat down with Xtra to talk RuPaul, modern gay cinema—and exactly how much AI was used in his film
Advertisement