Lilly Wachowski Produces "DOLLS": New Sci-Fi With All-Trans Cast

In a significant move for LGBTQ+ representation in cinema, Lilly Wachowski, renowned for her work on "The Matrix" and "Sense8," has produced "DOLLS," a short sci-fi thriller that features an all-transgender women cast. The project, announced on July 28, 2025, positions itself at the intersection of genre storytelling and authentic transgender visibility, a combination rarely seen in mainstream film productions .

"DOLLS" is an 18-minute film marking the directorial debut of Geena Rocero, a prominent transgender filmmaker and advocate. The cast includes Yên Sen, Arewà Basit, and Macy Rodman, each bringing their unique artistry and lived experience to the project . The film’s narrative, while details remain closely guarded, is described as a sci-fi thriller with thematic echoes of "The Stepford Wives," reimagined through a transgender lens.

Wachowski’s commitment to uplifting trans voices is evident not only through her role as producer but also in her choice to support Rocero, whose advocacy and creative vision have been recognized throughout the LGBTQ+ community .

The release of "DOLLS" comes at a time when calls for authentic transgender representation in media have grown louder. While Hollywood has made incremental progress in casting and storytelling, the industry has often failed to provide substantive roles for transgender people or to place transgender creators in positions of creative leadership. With "DOLLS," both in front of and behind the camera, transgender women are in control of their own narratives—a move that industry observers see as both overdue and transformative .

Lilly Wachowski, herself a trailblazer as one of Hollywood’s most prominent transgender filmmakers, has consistently advocated for greater trans inclusion in media. This project follows her recent involvement in adapting the trans horror novel "Manhunt" for television, further cementing her dedication to platforming queer stories .

What sets "DOLLS" apart is its deliberate casting and creative leadership. By centering trans women in every principal role and in key production positions, the film consciously avoids the pitfalls of tokenism and misrepresentation that have historically plagued LGBTQ+ narratives in film .

The film’s all-transgender women cast, including emerging talents like Arewà Basit and Macy Rodman, reflects a commitment to authenticity and diversity within the transgender community itself. Audiences and critics alike have pointed out that such projects are not only vital for visibility but also for providing meaningful opportunities to transgender creatives who remain underrepresented in the industry .

Early reactions from LGBTQ+ organizations and advocates have been overwhelmingly positive. Many see "DOLLS" as a model for inclusive filmmaking, where representation is not limited to on-screen presence but extends to creative decision-making and storytelling authority. Advocates highlight the importance of projects like "DOLLS" in challenging stereotypes and broadening the scope of stories available to and about transgender people .

Lilly Wachowski’s own journey as a transgender woman in Hollywood adds a layer of personal significance to the production. Her public advocacy and body of work have inspired a generation of queer filmmakers and audiences, and "DOLLS" is widely regarded as a continuation of her ongoing commitment to social change through art .

As "DOLLS" enters the festival circuit and seeks wider distribution, industry observers are hopeful it will set new standards for representation and inclusion, both on screen and behind the scenes. The film’s impact will be measured not only in critical reception but in how it influences future productions and opens doors for transgender creatives in Hollywood and beyond.

For now, "DOLLS" stands as a testament to what is possible when transgender women are given the resources and platform to tell their own stories—a milestone for the community, for cinema, and for culture at large .