When Jelani Alladin, known for his leading roles in Broadway hits like “Frozen” and “Hercules,” first encountered the character description for Marcus Gaines in the Showtime/Paramount+ series “Fellow Travelers,” he recognized a role unlike any he had previously undertaken.
“Fellow Travelers” delves into the decades-long, clandestine romance between Hawkins Fuller (Matt Bomer), a State Department official, and Tim Laughlin (Jonathan Bailey), a young college graduate. Spanning from the “Lavender Scare” of the 1950s to the gay rights movement in the ’70s and the AIDS crisis of the ’80s, the series explores their intricate relationship, marked by intense sexual chemistry. Alladin portrays Marcus Gaines, Fuller’s journalist friend, whose own understanding of attraction and gender norms is challenged when he falls for Frankie, a drag queen played by Noah J. Ricketts. Interestingly, Ricketts was Alladin’s understudy during their time together in “Frozen” on Broadway.
Alladin shared that early in his career transition from stage to screen, he harbored concerns about portraying queer characters on television. His apprehension stemmed from a perceived lack of complexity in the roles offered, where “gay” seemed to be the sole defining characteristic. However, the nuanced portrayal of Marcus Gaines in “Fellow Travelers” immediately resonated with him. He saw a multifaceted character grappling with racial prejudice in his profession while possessing a sharp wit and a cynical outlook on relationships. Marcus, as Alladin describes, sees himself as a man who enjoys sex with men but resists labels, and is comfortable with affection. This depth and complexity convinced Alladin to embrace the role.
The significance of portraying a proud, openly Black queer individual was also profound for Alladin. He emphasized the disparities in societal acceptance, noting that while being openly oneself is often presented as simple, it overlooks the systemic hurdles faced by Black queer individuals compared to their white counterparts. He felt honored to give voice to this experience.
Exploring Intimacy: More Than Just Sex Scenes
Addressing the numerous and intimate sex scenes in “Fellow Travelers,” Alladin emphasized that these moments were conceived to be far more than mere physicality. He explained that the approach to filming these scenes prioritized the emotional and spiritual connection between characters.
“The sex scenes were never just about the carnal, but the spiritual desire,” Alladin stated. For Marcus and Frankie, intimacy began with intellectual and poetic exchanges, evolving into physical intimacy rooted in a deeper spiritual connection. This journey of discovery was central to their portrayal.
Lindsay Somers, the series’ intimacy coordinator, played a crucial role in ensuring these scenes were handled with sensitivity and purpose. Alladin highlighted the detailed conversations surrounding each intimate moment, focusing on the narrative being conveyed and the emotional nuances being revealed or concealed. Discussions about physical boundaries and comfort levels were paramount. The pre-existing friendship and trust between Alladin and Ricketts fostered a comfortable environment, allowing for authentic and vulnerable performances in the intimate scenes. This established trust made it easier to portray the deep connection between Marcus and Frankie, ensuring the sex scenes served the narrative’s emotional depth.
Alladin was particularly drawn to Marcus’s evolving understanding of his own sexuality. Initially, Marcus identifies as simply a man who enjoys sex with men, a perspective Alladin acknowledges as valid. However, the character’s journey involves expanding beyond this limited view to embrace a broader spectrum of possibilities in intimacy and relationships. Alladin expressed pride in portraying this evolution, showcasing a character’s growth and self-discovery.
He also pointed to a dinner table scene where Marcus’s father inquires about his love life, causing Marcus discomfort, as particularly impactful. Alladin believes this scene resonates with many viewers who have experienced similar awkward and revealing moments with their families.
Another poignant scene occurs when Marcus and Frankie face homophobic slurs after leaving a nightclub. This scene exposes Marcus’s internalized toxic masculinity, as he questions Frankie’s reaction to being called a homophobic slur, only to be confronted with the fact that the slur was also directed at him. Alladin appreciated the scene’s exploration of hierarchy within the queer community, highlighting the damaging effects of internalized segregation and the notion that some expressions of queerness are considered more valid than others based on masculinity.
The Armor of Masculinity
Alladin reflected on his past roles, such as Kristoff in “Frozen,” Hercules, and Will Campbell in “The Walking Dead: World Beyond,” noting a recurring theme of hyper-masculine characters who use “armor” as a defense mechanism. He sees this armor as a form of drag, concealing a warm and empathetic core. These characters, while projecting strength, possess deep humanity and the capacity for profound connection.
Growing up, Alladin’s own “drag” was assimilation, navigating predominantly white spaces as a Black high school student striving to fit in. Raised in Brooklyn within a Guyanese and West Indian family that valued education, he utilized the tools he gained to navigate different social landscapes.
Through a scholarship program, Alladin attended New Canaan High School in Connecticut, living with a host family. It was here that he discovered his passion for acting through the school’s theater program, which led him to pursue it at New York University.
One of his early roles that resonated deeply was in Tarell Alvin McCraney’s “Choir Boy,” where he played a gifted gay student navigating code-switching in a prep school environment – a concept familiar to Alladin from his own experiences. He recognized the need to adapt his communication style in different social settings, a skill honed since childhood through “charm” lessons encouraged by his aunt. These lessons equipped him with social tools to navigate the world with greater ease.
Beyond acting, Alladin is developing a TV script inspired by his high school years in Connecticut. Currently, he is engaged in promoting “Fellow Travelers,” showcasing his evolving personal style on red carpets with the help of stylist Mickey Freeman. Alladin describes his style transformation as moving from “classic man” to a more “contemporary outside-the-box” aesthetic, resulting in a style that feels elegant, regal, and confident – reflective of his own self-assuredness.
