Rub & Tug, the movie that Scarlett Johansson exited over trans backlash, will now become a TV series from Our Lady J

Entertainment Weekly

The film Rub & Tug generated controversy in summer 2018 following Johansson's casting in the transgender lead role. “In light of recent ethical questions raised surrounding my casting as Dante Tex Gill, I have decided to respectfully withdraw my participation in the project,” Johansson said in pulling out of the role. On Tuesday, New Regency announced that Rub & Tug will become a TV series instead, with a pilot helmed by Pose and Transparent writer-producer Our Lady J, who is transgender. "The show will focus on Tex, a trans man, and his inner circle, many of whom were forced to fringes of society as LGBTQ individuals," per EW. "He used to run a string of massage parlors as fronts for prostitution, and Rub & Tug will delve into this 'illicit business empire' as Tex defends his turf from rival criminals, corrupt politicians, and the law, according to a description." Casting decisions have yet to be made.