Claire Danes, Jim Parsons to star in transgender drama “A Kid Like Jake”February 25, 2017 - 18:10 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Jim Parsons and Claire Danes are attached to star as a married couple in the family drama “A Kid Like Jake,” based on a celebrated Lincoln Center play, Variety has learned. The story, about a couple trying to raise a 4-year-old-son who prefers to dress up as a princess instead of G.I. Joe, is especially timely given widespread concerns about the rights of transgender youth in the United States. On Wednesday, February 22, President Trump rolled back protections for transgender students to use public-school bathrooms that correspond to their gender identity. “A Kid Like Jake” will be adapted by Silas Howard (known for the TV series “Transparent”), one of only a few transgender directors in Hollywood. Daniel Pearle wrote the screenplay, based on his 2013 stage play, about the Brooklyn couple, trying to find the right kindergarten for their child as they navigate questions about gender identity. Parsons and Todd Spiewak are producing the independent film through their shingle That’s Wonderful Productions along with Eric Norsoph. Double Nickel is the executive producer. The project represents the first leading role in a movie for Parsons, the face of CBS’s “The Big Bang Theory,” who can be seen in a supporting part in “Hidden Figures.” Danes is currently starring in the sixth season of Showtime’s “Homeland.” In the last four years, Hollywood has undergone a dramatic shift, producing more stories that center on transgender characters. In 2016, Focus Features’ “The Danish Girl,” starring Eddie Redmayne, received multiple Oscars nominations. Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black” launched Laverne Cox’s career in 2013, and in 2015, E! debuted “I Am Cait,” the short-lived docuseries starring Caitlyn Jenner. “A Kid Like Jake” will be shopped around to financiers in the coming days. CAA is handling the sale. Top stories The creative crew of the Public TV had chosen 13-year-old Malena as a participant of this year's contest. She called on others to also suspend their accounts over the companies’ failure to tackle hate speech. Penderecki was known for his film scores, including for William Friedkin’s “The Exorcist”, Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining”. The festival made the news public on March 19, saying that “several options are considered in order to preserve its running” Partner news | PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Turkey extends military presence in Azerbaijan The Turkish parliament has adopted a bill submitted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to extend the mandate of Turkish troops. Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |