Unraveling the Genius Behind 'I'm A Virgo': Michael Ellenberg's Triumph with Boots Riley's Vision

In the captivating Prime Video series, "I'm a Virgo," the brilliant mind behind "Sorry to Bother You" presents another enthralling tale. Set in Oakland, the story revolves around Cootie, a 19-year-old Black man who stands tall at 13-feet. Breaking free from his sheltered life, Cootie embarks on a journey of self-discovery with the help of local teenage activists. However, as he delves deeper into the world, he becomes aware of its darker aspects.

Leading the impressive cast of "I'm a Virgo" is Jharrel Jerome, accompanied by Brett Gray, Kara Young, Allius Barnes, Olivia Washington, Mike Epps, Walton Goggins, and Carmen Ejogo. From shedding light on the detrimental impact of capitalism on impoverished communities to portraying the world through the lens of innocence, this series is a thought-provoking, imaginative, and uproarious continuation of Riley's previous triumphs.

Ahead of the show's debut, Screen Rant had an exclusive conversation with producer Michael Ellenberg. They discussed his enthusiasm for collaborating with Riley, the challenge of bringing his vision to life, and much more.

Michael Ellenberg on I'm a Virgo

Screen Rant: I'm a Virgo was phenomenal from start to finish. When you first saw what Boots had planned for this world, what were your first reactions?

The show was pitched as a blend of something deeply emotional and personal, which immediately captivated us. Despite being about a 13-foot-tall giant, it is ultimately Boots' own story and carries a lot of metaphorical weight. It delves into his own experience of coming of age, while also exploring larger themes of politics, society, justice, and the experience of being a young Black man in America. Additionally, it tackles broader ideas about how society should be organized, our purpose as human beings, and what we are meant to do here. Finding a story that can be both personal and intimate, while touching on such grand ideas, was truly awe-inspiring. However, it also felt intimidating, as we now had to figure out how to bring this vision to life.

You never want to limit a creator's vision, but at the same time, you have to consider budget constraints. This film still retains the essence of Sorry to Bother You, being independently produced with ambitious concepts. Were there any aspects that required some moderation?

Michael Ellenberg was drawn to work with Boots because he is a world builder and visionary. The goal of the series was to create a world that audiences could fully immerse themselves in for multiple hours and episodes. The process of writing and filming the show was a challenge, with some ideas being achievable and others not. However, the final product is largely what was originally envisioned.

From the beginning, Boots committed to making the show as handmade as possible, with minimal use of CGI compared to what is typically seen. This approach allowed for the revival of old techniques in the industry, which was exciting for Ellenberg as a producer. By creating the show in this way, it feels more authentic to both the audience and the actors, giving it a unique texture and avoiding an artificial feel.

The ideas may seem fantastical, but they hold a certain truth to them, if you can understand what I mean. There is a depth and weight to Boots' portrayal that is genuine and authentic. It was crucial for him to maintain this authenticity, as it played a pivotal role in conveying the message of the piece and ultimately allowed us to succeed.

Boots demonstrated this skill in Sorry to Bother You, and he continues to showcase it effectively in this project. I am grateful that you were able to contribute to guiding his vision, and I eagerly anticipate the possibility of a season 2.

Michael Ellenberg: We're hoping for it too, from your lips!

About I'm a Virgo

I’m A Virgo is a darkly comedic fantastical coming-of-age joyride about Cootie (Jerome), a 13-foot-tall young Black man in Oakland, California. Growing up in seclusion, he immersed himself in comic books and TV shows, but eventually yearned to explore the complexities and wonders of the real world. Along his journey, he forges meaningful friendships, discovers love, navigates through awkward situations, and has a fateful encounter with his idol, The Hero, portrayed by Walton Goggins (known for his roles in The Hateful Eight and The Righteous Gemstones). I’m A Virgo is an enchanting saga that challenges the very purpose of mythical odysseys.

Check out our other I'm a Virgo interviews here:

Jharrel Jerome

Carmen Ejogo

Brett Gray & Allius Barnes

Olivia Washington & Kara Young

I'm a Virgo begins streaming on Prime Video on June 23.