The new all-stars competition will unite an all-Asian cast of returning queens from around the world for a “Vs. the World”-style contest…
The RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise has revealed that it will soon debut a new all-stars competition featuring an all-Asian cast of returning queens. Set to premiere later this year, Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale will unite Asian queens from global Drag Race franchises in one host country, the Philippines, where they’ll engage in an evolved version of the show’s Vs. the World format that currently broadcasts Canadian and United Kingdom iterations.
The cast of queens on Slaysian Royale — which has yet to be revealed — will battle it out for a crown and global bragging rights as the inaugural winner when the new show debuts on WOW Presents Plus at an undisclosed date later in 2025.
Production company World of Wonder founders Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato said of the show in a press statement: “This new version of Drag Race shines a spotlight on Asian drag as never before, celebrating its culture, its history, and creativity in a unique battle royale.”
Drag Race Philippines and Drag Race Thailand
Slaysian Royale builds on Drag Race Philippines, which recently finished its third season in two years. Drag Race Philippines has made a name for itself amongst the fan base for its unique take on fan-favoruite challenges and tropes. In October 2024 Maxie won season three of Drag Race Philippines, joining the Winner’s Circle alongside previously crowned queens Precious Paula Nicole, who was crowned in the first season in 2022, and Captivating Katkat who was crowned in the second season in 2023.
Drag Race Thailand also recently returned for a third season after a six-year hiatus, with host (and former UK vs. the World competitor) Pangina Heals crowning Frankie Wonga as the winner in December 2024. Previously, Natalia Pliacam won the first season of Drag Race Thailand in 2018, and Angele Anang won the second season in 2019.
Who could be competing? Asian queens who’ve made a significant impact on RuPaul’s Drag Race
Since the American version of RuPaul’s Drag Race began there have been a number of fan-favourite Asian queens who have strutted in the werk room and made a lasting impression, but it was only recently that the American franchise had an Asian winner. Sasha Colby (who is Native Hawaiian) was the first winner of Asian descent on season 15, followed by Taiwanese queen Nymphia Wind, who became the show’s first East Asian winner triumphing on season 16.
Other memorable Asian queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race include: Ongina (season 1, All Stars 5); Jujubee (season 2, All Stars 1, All Stars 5); Raja (season 3 winner and All Stars 7); Manila Luzon (season 3, All Stars 1, and All Stars 4); Jiggly Caliente (season 4, and All Stars); Gia Gunn (season 6, and All Stars 4); Kim Chi (season 8); Yuhua Hamasaki (season 10); Soju (season 11); Rock M. Sakura (season 12); Kahmora Hall (season 13); and, most recently Joella (season 17).
North of the border the most memorable Asian queen has to be Priyanka, who won the inaugural season of Canada’s Drag Race in 2020. Other memorable Asian queens who have competed on Canada’s Drag Race include: Kyne (season 1), Stephanie Prince (season 2), Kimmy Couture (season 3), Kiki Coe (season 4), Melinda Verga (season 4), Tiffany Ann Co (season 5), and Mihni Wang (season 5).
And outside of North America? Of course, there’s a lengthy list of fan-favourite Asian queens from franchises around the globe. The record-breaking global phenomenon has seen successful adaptations in over 16 countries, including Chile, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Down Under (Australia / New Zealand), and more.
Stay tuned to find out the sure-to-be iconic cast of the inaugural season of Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale.
POST A COMMENT