When you think of Chippendales, you probably think of young, topless guys wearing tights, bows tied around their necks for a good look. (That, or you think about Iconic Saturday night live sketch send the whole business.)
However, Hulu’s new 1980s-set drama about the infamous male stripper’s home might challenge that impression. Starring Kumail Nanjiani as Chippendales founder Somen “Steve” Banerjee, Welcome to Chippendales is a true-crime retelling of the company’s ups and downs. Nanjiani has the participation of big names like Murray Bartlett, Andrew Rannellsand Juliette Lewisto tell a sinister story.
The series’ first trailer almost parodying the genre’s relentless “based on a true story” — unsurprisingly, comes from the creator of By Hulu Pam and Tommy. Set in the chilling slowness of “Anyway You Want,” the trailer shows Banerjee recording through his sleazy strip club. He calls it “the world of luxury”. But it’s an ironic, ominous decree, considering the entire trailer includes dark lighting and annoying close-ups.
Why would a fit, tight-lipped entrepreneur love to start this type of business? Well, as he has said many times, he can make a lot of money from taking these hot guys around. Money is everywhere: ominously folded into a suitcase, or displayed by Banerjee’s lavish Los Angeles mansion. But his business partners aren’t happy about Banerjee’s financial intrigue, and the trailer warns that not every American dream “has a happy ending.” (Thus, the shotgun lay on the floor next to Banerjee’s bed in one shot.)
In real life, Steve Banerjee ended up hiring an assassin to kill three former Chippendales dancers, who had split from the company to start what he saw as a competitor. The plan failed, and Banerjee pleaded guilty to attempted murder, arson, and deception. However, while in his cell before sentencing, Banerjee died by suicide.
Even though Welcome to Chippendales Stick to the real story remains to be seen. However, it is fair to guess that the answer is “yes”; that’s the real crime, after all. We’ll know for sure when the movie hits theaters on November 22.
