With the help of advisors, ‘Boots’ co-stars challenged themselves to portray military life authentically

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The new Netflix series, “Boots,” begins by introducing us to Cam Cope, an 18-year-old who just finished high school. Cam is gay, a fan of Wilson Phillips, and often has conversations with his own outspoken inner voice. He’s also fed up with being bullied, both at school and by his somewhat irresponsible mother, Barbara (played by Vera Farmiga), who surprisingly tells him to try and be more traditionally masculine.

Cam (played by Miles Heizer, known from “Parenthood” and “13 Reasons Why”) tells a Marine recruiter, “I need a fresh start. I want to be a different person,” explaining his desire to enlist.

It’s 1990, and being gay in the military is still illegal. The “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, which aimed to stop the harassment of LGBTQ+ service members, wouldn’t be implemented for another three years. Despite this, Cam enlists with encouragement from his close friend Ray McAffey (Liam Oh), hoping to make a difference – and he certainly finds it.

Heizer, who identifies as queer, shared that he initially had certain expectations about traditionally masculine environments, particularly the military, and the Marines specifically. He discussed this while speaking with his co-star, Max Parker, from a rooftop at Netflix’s New York office last week. Parker plays the role of a strict drill instructor, Sgt. Robert Sullivan.

The pressure of traditional ideas about what it means to be a man affects Cam, as well as the diverse group of recruits and the officers tasked with molding them into Marines – as the famous slogan goes.

Andy Parker, co-showrunner of the series, explains that it was crucial to tell the story through Cameron’s eyes, particularly as a queer character entering the military. However, it was just as important to show the challenges and growth of the entire platoon. Boot camp, Parker notes, acts as a pressure cooker, forcing everyone – not just Cameron – to face their hidden truths and decide who they want to be.

Review

‘Boots’ is a timely, if predictable, series depicting struggles of gay Marines in the ’90s

This Netflix miniseries follows a gay teenager, played by Miles Heizer, who enlists in the Marines with his best friend. It offers a look at what military life was like before the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy was in place.

The new eight-part series, now available to stream, is adapted from Greg Cope White’s 2016 memoir, “The Pink Marine.” Producer Rachel Davidson shared the book with Norman Lear and Brent Miller, who then developed it into a show. Lear, a WWII Air Force veteran who worked as a radio operator and gunner, was particularly moved by the close friendship between a gay and straight man (Greg and Dale in the book) as they went through Marine training. According to Miller, “Norman felt this kind of relationship hadn’t been explored much on TV before, and he always wanted to tell stories he believed audiences needed to see.”

The series aimed for a realistic depiction of Marine life in the 1990s, so it brought in several military veterans as advisors. These advisors, including Andy Parker (also an executive producer), Heizer, and Max Parker, collaborated closely with the production team. Some of the advisors’ own experiences during their service were incorporated into the show’s storylines. The actors, showrunner, and advisors now share how their combined efforts came together, much like a group of new recruits training as a unit.

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Training never stopped

The actors started with intensive training to prepare them for the physical and emotional demands of their roles. For actor Brandon Heizer, this began with an unusual task: watching the classic sitcom ‘The Golden Girls’ – a show his character, Cameron, loves. Heizer explains he had the advantage of knowing less about the experience than his co-star, and wanted to understand Cameron’s perspective. However, he quickly discovered that the actual boot camp training in the New Orleans summer heat was far from comical.

“To be honest, I was really surprised by how much I struggled with things I thought would be simple,” Heizer admits.

One challenge recruits faced was the inspection arms drill, where they prepared their rifles for a visual check by an officer.

He explained that, having experience with baton twirling as a gay man, he expected pole dancing to feel somewhat familiar. However, he found it much more challenging and required a lot of practice to get the hang of it.

Parker, known for his roles in “Vampire Academy” and “Emmerdale,” played a strict drill instructor, but surprisingly, he went through the same basic training as the actors portraying the recruits. “I didn’t have a military background,” Parker explained, “but I wanted to understand the experience of a new recruit firsthand, so I learned how to disassemble and practice with the firearms.”

Training wasn’t just a one-time event at the beginning of filming. Actors needed to refresh and practice their skills regularly throughout the production for various reasons.

As a total film buff, I was really fascinated to learn what goes into making even the smallest details feel authentic. Travis Neuman, a Marine Corps veteran who advised on the show – and a seriously decorated one at that, with 24 years of service – explained that the initial two weeks of training focused on the fundamentals. It wasn’t about complex maneuvers right away, but getting the actors to *look* like Marines – how to stand, how to position their bodies, and even basic marching techniques. It’s amazing how much work goes into those seemingly simple things!

However, the extended Hollywood strikes of 2023 weren’t anticipated, causing significant disruptions to filming. According to Neuman, the team constantly adapted to the changing situation and worked to keep everyone’s skills sharp.

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Military advisors shared memories and mementos

Practicing rifle handling, navigating the obstacle course, and target shooting were standard parts of getting ready for the show. However, the advisors’ expertise and training proved incredibly helpful, benefiting everyone involved – not just the actors, but the whole production team.

Military advisor Sammy ‘Gunny’ Wray explains they were involved in all aspects of the production, from ensuring the soldiers’ boots were polished to assembling their uniforms and assisting with props. They even showed the crew how to make military beds, essentially overseeing every detail on set.

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Beyond just the technical aspects, the military advisors shared stories from their own early days in service, and the actors were eager to learn as much as possible. Neuman explained that he focused on helping the actors connect with their own past experiences to create genuine performances. While they couldn’t directly relate to his boot camp days, he aimed to help them understand the *feelings* associated with that kind of intense experience.

The advisors contributed more than just stories and recollections to the production. For instance, Wray provided items like his laundry bag with his service number and his military notebook, which the show’s prop master, Jonathan Hodges, used to create accurate replicas. Additionally, challenge coins – tokens awarded for accomplishments and unit affiliation – belonging to Neuman and his wife, a fellow retired Marine, were incorporated to enhance the realism of the scenes.

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Secrets revealed and building community

Throughout the first season, it becomes clear that Heizer’s character isn’t the only gay man hiding his sexuality within the platoon. In the fourth episode, we see Sullivan being questioned about a relationship with another soldier suspected of being gay, leaving him visibly distressed. The drill sergeant denies any involvement during the investigation, but flashbacks show he actually had a romantic relationship with Major Wilkinson (Sachin Bhatt), who is also being investigated.

Parker explains that the character’s potential loss of job, career, and overall life, combined with the resulting loneliness, was deeply affecting and powerfully informed his performance in subsequent scenes.

Despite their initial differences, Cam and Sullivan develop a connection as Sullivan guides Cam through the challenges of training. According to actor Heizer, Cam begins to see himself in Sullivan, realizing they have more in common than he initially believed. Their relationship becomes complex, with Sullivan acting as a mentor while Cam also recognizes the potential for a similar future for himself.

Interestingly, the strong sense of camaraderie shown between the recruits on screen wasn’t acting – the actors genuinely bonded during filming.

I witnessed part of Cameron’s personal growth firsthand,” Heizer explains. “What truly resonates with me about Cameron’s story isn’t about his sexual identity. Ultimately, he earns the genuine brotherhood and respect of people he never thought would accept him.

“Boots” is streaming now on Netflix.

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2025-10-09 13:34