Tom Riley as Leonardo Da VInci in Da Vinci's Demons
Da Vinci's Demons'new trailer depicts Leonardo sharing carnal passions with a fair maiden. This doesn't mean the genius will be strictly hetero as previously thought. Divinely handsome leading man Tom Riley assured audiences his character isn't "constrained by sexuality,” which if true could be a big step forward in GLBT media representation.
Perhaps more tellingly, series creator David S. Goyer released this statement to us and other outlets such as MovieLine: "Da Vinci was not a man that could be confined. Our show will embrace his many complexities."
If Starz's new series portrays a sexy male hero swinging not only both, but every way possible it's going to be something of a first. Bisexual males are one of the least represented groups on TV according to reports by GLAAD. Among that subset, with the exception of maybe Jack Harkness from Dr. Who very few of these characters are seen as attractive by all genders.
Watching the famous painter cavort from bed to bed with reckless abandon regarding its occupant's sex could make Da Vinci's Demons a true stand out. Actress Laura Haddock let slip during a recent Comic Con there's only three women on the show, which almost assures man on man action occurring. Add in creator David Goyer's statement and who knows? We might witness a groundbreaking polyamorous pansexual character simultaneously involved with Mona Lisa and Larry.
It is kind of unfortunate promotional footage for this show [see preview trailer below] only focuses on the straight aspect of Leonardo's apparently complex orientation. That could be easily overlooked if this new series does finally put a sexually undefinable protagonist on screen that every gender appreciates. It will be a hard move to pull off, but if Da Vinci's Demons manages this feat we'll definitely be applauding.
Da Vinci's Demons will air on Starz starting this spring.
