Tony winner Alex Newell has never shied away from the spotlight—whether they’re belting on Broadway, stealing scenes on TV, or rocking a red carpet look that nearly shuts down the Met Gala. But in their conversation on the Pride podcast, Newell gets real about queer joy, Capri, and the favor they’ll never do.
“Threesomes? Never do that as a simple favor,” Newell joked. “It’s not simple—it’s convoluted.”
From breaking out on The Glee Project to making Broadway history with their powerhouse performance in Shucked, Newell is a force—onstage, onscreen, and, as we learned on the podcast, in a speedboat to Capri.
“I did everything that I never thought I would do in life,” Newell said, laughing about filming A Simple Favor 2. “Getting on a boat to go to another boat to go to a restaurant? That was fun.” Newell revealed they nearly shut down an entire airport tarmac while filming. “I was just like, what is this? Oh, I have to go through security after I pee? Great. I love this.”
The A Simple Favor films follow the twisted, stylish world of mommy vlogger Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) and her glamorous, enigmatic bestie Emily (Blake Lively). The first film, released in 2018, became a cult favorite thanks to its unexpected plot twists, dark humor, and queer undertones. Now in the sequel, the chaos continues—this time in Capri—with even more murder, mystery, and martinis.
Newell plays Vicky, a character they say felt naturally aligned with their own vibe. “Someone that wants to go on vacation and drink three bottles of wine in one setting? That’s me,” they said. “Also, I love Paul Feig.” Feig, who executive produced Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, reconnected with Newell for the sequel, bringing queer energy and chaotic elegance to the screen once again.
Warning: Spoilers ahead. Newell also dived in to the mystery of it all, and claimed there is still so much we don’t know about this iconic franchise. “That relationship between Allison [Janney] and Elizabeth Perkins’ character? So crazed,” they said. “Also, I genuinely still don’t know who killed Henry Golding in the movie… and who takes care of Nikki now?”
The Power of Saying No
Newell’s journey has been nonstop since their early days on Glee, where they helped bring meaningful representation to primetime TV. “It wasn’t really just about being able to sing, dance, and act,” they said of the experience. “It was kind of like being able to give into the process… there’s such a freedom to that.”
That openness has served them well. Recently, they’ve wrapped Broadway, filmed a movie, released a concert on Audible, and graced the Met Gala steps in a Christian Siriano gown inspired by the legendary André Leon Talley. But even with all the hustle, they’ve learned when to say no.
“I had to turn down Glastonbury,” Newell shared. “I was on a mini tour with Clean Bandit in the UK and I got sick… But I do listen to my body. My body’s just like, no babes, we can’t do it.”
Speaking of saying no, we asked Alex what simple favor is too far and their answer was kind of iconic.
“Some simple favors you can agree to,” Newell said. “But some are not. Non-negotiables.” The one they’ll never do? “Threesomes. Never do that as a simple favor. It’s not simple—it’s convoluted.”
Still, they admit it’s part of the queer experience. “I think that is the bedrock of the LGBTQIA+ community. I think that’s what Pride is made of.”
Celebrating Queer Joy, Loud and Unapologetic
Going into Pride Month, the singer said they’re looking forward to having those tough conversations.
“I am looking forward to growing as a community, especially in these perilous times and what that means for us going forward. How we’ll rally and try not to be divided in a lot of things, even though some division is already starting to start, but how quickly we can shut that down. I’m excited for that conversation.”
Listen to the full interview on the Pride podcast, out now.
