A new film is set to ruffle feathers, dealing with long-held rumours of a Hollywood icon’s closeted sexuality.

A trailer for a new James Dean biopic is now doing the rounds, chronicling the brief life of the 1950’s Hollywood icon. And if you’re expecting just another one of those films depicting the late star’s manliness smoking cigarettes and riding a motorcycle, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

For decades, there has long been speculation of the true nature of James Dean’s sexuality, and now Joshua Tree, 1951: A Portrait of James Dean is set to cast a fresh new light on the private life of the iconic film star while tackling the rumours around his sexuality and what someone is willing to do for fame in the sordid Hollywood of a repressed era.

It’s the debut feature from film-maker Matthew Mishory and, unlike previous James Dean biopics, this version doesn’t dodge Dean’s long-rumoured bisexuality. In fact, judging from the trailer, the film embraces it.

James Preston (The Gates), stars in the role of Dean as he’s followed in the period leading up to his breakout success, mostly set in California’s Mojave desert. Starring alongside Preston in this sexy, mysterious setting is openly gay Queer as Folk star Robert Gant and The L Word’s Erin Daniels.

Check out the trailer below…

While the film is yet to find a distributor, judging from the beautiful cinematography and brave content, hopefully it won’t be long before it hits a cinema near you.

What are your thoughts on James Dean’s sexuality?