Cis Actor Plays Trans Role in Metaphorical A24 Film

In November 2025, actor Justice Smith provided insight into his casting in the 2024 A24 film "I Saw the TV Glow," which had a profound impact on LGBTQ audiences. Smith, a cisgender actor, played the role of Owen, a transgender character. He initially had reservations about this, questioning why the film's non-binary writer/director Jane Schoenbrun did not cast a transgender actor for the part.

However, Schoenbrun explained to Smith that his character was meant to serve as a "device" for the film's metaphorical exploration of the trans experience. Smith's character, who lives in a "nightmare realm," would not have worked as well if played by a transgender actor, as the metaphor would not have been as effective.

Despite his initial concerns, Smith said he was "really passionate about those kinds of politics and trans people being allowed to play trans characters." Ultimately, he recognized that Schoenbrun's priority was allowing transgender people to tell their own stories in the way they wanted to.

Smith described the filming experience as "really beautiful," noting that many of the cast and crew members were transgender, creating a "queer haven" on set. This inclusive environment reflects the film's commitment to authentic transgender representation in the industry.