Jennifer Aniston and Tig Notaro's 'First Ladies': What could go right, or wrong
About a decade ago, the idea of a black president ruling one of the biggest countries in the world, seemed pretty much impossible. But that happened, and in 2016, America came pretty close to having its first woman president too. Sadly, things don't always work, but the possibility of a woman running the White House still lingers.
Especially when it comes to Netflix, which has decided to give Tig Notaro the freedom to make that fantasy come alive on screen; with none other than Jennifer Aniston starring as the POTUS. But knowing it's Netflix, a lot of speculation and pressure flows in, wondering what exactly can one expect from an onscreen lesbian couple living in the White House?
First things first, along the lines of what the makers claim: "When Beverly and Kasey Nicholson move into the White House, they’ll prove that behind every great woman… is another great woman." Over the years we have seen Madam President represented onscreen, but there comes a lot of compromise and jeopardy with the role.
The fictional female US President is hardly ever someone who gets elected in fair votes, it has mostly been women gaining the title via ascension. But this movie has the potential to change that, and balance the status quo considering it's a woman who doesn't have to maintain the work-life balance.
But while the whole coming from a woman's perspective can be a refreshing change from the usual male-dominated perspective, generalizing a queer couple into some mainstream stereotype is a risk the movie is running. One can rest easy knowing the script is being handled by Notaro and her wife, Allynne, but at the same time, it's a Netflix original - which is more of a hit or miss scenario over the years.
Nevertheless, the concept is striking and challenging at the same time. Notaro, Allynne and Aniston are producing the project, with Adam McKay, Will Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum, and Betsy Koch for Gloria Sanchez Productions. Chris Henchy is exec producing.
The package will also expand Notaro's relationship with the streaming website, as her own comedy special - “Tig Notaro Happy to Be Here” - is also scheduled to debut on the website on May 22. Other than that, Notaro is also about to direct Ellen DeGeneres’ upcoming Netflix original comedy special.
Notaro is repped by ICM Partners and Integral Entertainment, and her wife Allynne is repped by Gersh and Rise.
This is Aniston's second recent collaboration with the studio, after signing on to star opposite Adam Sandler in "Murder Mystery". She is also going to be in the upcoming movie "Dumplin", by Anne Fletcher. Aniston is repped by CAA and Lighthouse Management.