Nina West is set to portray drag legend Divine in the upcoming film Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.
Since Nina’s controversial elimination on Drag Race’s 11th season, the fan favourite queen has remained booked and busy.
From her various high-profile adverts to her critically acclaimed children’s album Drag Is Magic, the talented performer has expertly crafted her own lane in the entertainment sphere.
With her music and drag career showing no signs of slowing down, Nina has shifted her focus to the acting world with her new role in the upcoming Weird Al Yankovic biopic.
The movie, which stars Daniel Radcliffe as the titular character, has been billed as a “satire of biopics” and will loosely follow the expansive career of Weird Al.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the beloved performer has been tapped to play legendary drag icon Divine in the new film.
Throughout the 70s and 80s, the influential drag performer gained a cult following after starring in numerous John Waters projects – including Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, and The Diane Linkletter Story.
Divine was also used as inspiration for one of Disney’s most renowned villains, Ursula the Sea Witch.
While it’s unclear how big of a part Nina’s Divine will play in the upcoming biopic, it’s safe to say that the Drag Race star will deliver a hilarious performance.
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Taking to Instagram, Nina expressed her excitement for the film, writing: “Things are getting WEIRD! Happy #tiff , y’all! Thank you [“Weird Al” Yankovic] and [Eric Appel].”
Fans of Nina also flocked to social media to congratulate the Blues Clues star on her new role.
One fan tweeted: “Wait – WHUT?? Nina West as Divine in “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story”?!? This movie just keeps getting better and better.”
Another fan wrote: “There are so many reasons to be proud of Nina West, this is just one more in an endless list. Just think about what she does for LGBTQIA+ children, all the political agendas she has. She’s so very important for our planet to become a better place.”
Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk also celebrated the casting news, writing: “So proud of my sis.”
This isn’t the first time that Nina has stepped into Divine’s legendary shoes.
Back in 2021, the Miss Congeniality winner joined the national tour cast of Hairspray as Edna Turnblad – which Divine originated in the hit 1988 film.
Weird: The Al Yankovic Story is set to premiere on 4 November via The Roku Channel.
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