Hold onto your seats, because the world of Broadway is about to get a whole lot more intriguing! Dylan Mulvaney, the transgender influencer whose partnership with Bud Light sparked a fiery nationwide debate in 2023, is now stepping into the spotlight as Anne Boleyn in the hit musical Six. But here's where it gets controversial—a show celebrated for its all-female cast and feminist narrative is now casting Mulvaney, a figure at the center of one of the most polarizing corporate culture wars in recent memory. Is this a bold step forward for inclusivity, or a misstep in a production that’s long been marketed as a celebration of women’s historical experiences? Let’s dive in.
Six, the Tony Award-winning musical that reimagines the lives of King Henry VIII’s six wives through a modern pop lens, has always been about reclaiming the identities of these women from the shadow of their infamous spouse. The show’s website proudly declares it a ‘21st-century girl power’ anthem, and its all-female ensemble has been a cornerstone of its identity. But with Mulvaney’s casting, the production is now at the center of a heated discussion about representation, gender, and the boundaries of feminist storytelling.
‘Losing our heads to introduce your newest Anne Boleyn!’ the musical’s official X account announced on Friday, welcoming Mulvaney to the cast starting February 16. While many are applauding the move as a progressive step, others are questioning whether it aligns with the show’s original mission. After all, Six has always been about amplifying the voices of women who were silenced by history—so where does Mulvaney’s story fit into this narrative? And this is the part most people miss: the debate isn’t just about Mulvaney’s identity; it’s about the broader conversation around who gets to tell—and retell—women’s stories.
Let’s not forget the backdrop of this casting decision. Mulvaney’s partnership with Bud Light in April 2023, which included a beer can featuring her face to celebrate her first full year of transitioning, ignited a firestorm of backlash. The controversy led to a nearly 30% drop in Bud Light sales and cost the brand its title as America’s top-selling beer. Mulvaney herself has been unapologetic, stating on The View in March 2025, ‘I’m a woman no matter what my passport says,’ in response to the State Department’s decision to remove the ‘X’ gender marker from passports. Her resilience in the face of criticism has made her a polarizing yet undeniable figure in the cultural zeitgeist.
So, here’s the million-dollar question: Is Six’s casting of Dylan Mulvaney a groundbreaking move that challenges traditional norms, or does it risk diluting the show’s original feminist message? And what does this mean for the future of Broadway and its commitment to diverse storytelling? We want to hear from you—share your thoughts in the comments below. Is this a step forward, or a misstep? Let the debate begin!
