Bottoms is damn fun. In the high school sex comedy, which premiered at SXSW, two lesbian college students — played by Rachel Sennott (The idol) and Ayo Edebiri (The bear) – are so desperate to lose their virginity that they start an after-school fight club, all hoping to seduce cheerleaders. The gritty film, which will be released on August 25 by Orion Pictures and MGM, is the sequel to her Independent Spirit Award-winning debut film from director Emma Seligman. Shiva babyin which Sennott (who co-wrote Bottoms) played a bisexual Jewish woman who attends a shiva attended by both her ex-girlfriend and current sugar daddy. Seligman, using the pronouns she and she, spoke with THR about making the film, her own identity and her thoughts on authentic casting for LGBTQ roles.
How did Bottoms getting together?
We were really lucky. Rachel and I were writing this since 2017. After that Shiva baby got into SXSW, Alison Small from Brownstone Productions saw the movie, and she and (Brownstone founders) Elizabeth (Banks) and Max (Handelman), our producers, were excited to take it on and help us develop and produce it. trying to get it made. And Alana Mayo had just been hired at Orion. She’s incredible. We pitched to her and she just jumped on board.
What inspired you and Rachel to write it?
There’s just such a void to both of these strangely themed teen stories that are actually horny and reflective of the flawed teens I knew growing up. I really just wanted to see shallow, horny, sloppy teenage girls who just happen to be queer.
Ayo Edebiri, Emma Seligman and Rachel Sennott on the set of Bottoms.
Patti Perret/Orion Images
Were there any characters on screen that you think represented you growing up?
It was mostly on TV. I’m thinking of bisexual characters Gray’s Anatomy or the storyline of Mischa Barton and Olivia Wilde at one point The OC.
How did Ayo Edebiri join the cast?
We all went to NYU together. I met Ayo at a party before I met Rachel. I was like, “If I ever did a high school movie, she’d be perfect.” At least back then she was so clumsy and stupid and kind of nerdy but cute. And then I met Rachel and I found out they were friends and had already done some sketches together.
What do you think of authentic casting for LGBTQ roles?
It’s a very important conversation to have, and it’s nuanced. But I find it tricky because in almost every other context it’s illegal to ask your employees what their sexuality is. It’s wonderful when you know someone is queer in public and then you cast them in a queer movie; it’s great that their fans get to see them in that role. Kristen Stewart playing strange characters means a lot to a lot of people. At the same time, it’s unfair to assume someone is straight if they haven’t publicly or privately told you about their sexuality. We talk so much about coming out as a private trip and everyone should feel comfortable taking their time, but then we put pressure on public people to give us an answer.
The cast also includes Kaia Gerber and Havana Rose Liu and (second and third from the right), who play cheerleaders.
Patti Perret/Orion Images
How did you put together the fight scenes?
My DP (Maria Rusche) and I choreographed all the fights because we didn’t have a fight choreographer. We kept watching Super awesomeand we showed each other a lot of fighting references.
You said earlier that you are bisexual.
I no longer identify as bi. Just gay these days. Yeah, it’s weird how that goes. I started writing (Bottoms) six years ago, but life is so funny sometimes.
Interview edited for length and clarity.
This story first appeared in the June 14 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.
