Trans Actor Misia Butler on Finding Love in Netflix's 'KAOS'

Misia Butler, a trans actor, is making waves in the entertainment industry with their role as Caeneus in Netflix's new series, "KAOS". This modern reimagining of Greek mythology explores the struggles of humanity against the gods as Zeus fights to maintain his power. "KAOS" presents a diverse and inclusive world, a stark contrast to the traditional portrayal of Greek myths.

Butler, speaking with Yahoo UK for their "Queer Voices" interview series, reflects on the impact of playing a romantic lead in the series, a role they initially found difficult to envision themselves in. "It's so hard sometimes to see yourself, there's so many tales that we go through in our lives—the romantic lead, the workplace person, the son," Butler states, "and one that I really struggled with growing up was the idea that I'd ever be a romantic lead."

Caeneus's journey in "KAOS" explores their identity as a transgender man, a representation Butler hopes will resonate with transmasculine individuals. "To be able to play Caeneus in Netflix's KAOS has really changed that perspective in me, and I hope that it does that for other people," Butler shares. "I think that his romantic plotline with Riddy (Aurora Perrineau), as a trans masculine person, puts people like me in that sphere."

Butler's personal experience with the lack of representation in the media resonates deeply with their character's journey. "For a long time I never asked anyone out, I never talked to people I was attracted to, because I thought, 'Well, they're never gonna view me that way because why would they? I don't exist in that sphere,'" Butler reveals.

The inclusivity woven into the fabric of "KAOS" is a point of pride for Butler. "The Greek myths are such a queer group of stories, so KAOS's approach to inclusivity is amazing," Butler remarks, "and the fact that it's so understated is a real power." The show organically incorporates diversity, reflecting the reality of human experience, a feature Butler particularly appreciates as a "Greek myths nerd."

Caeneus's trans identity is seamlessly integrated into the series narrative, a delicate balance Butler and the show's creator, Charlie Covell, meticulously crafted. "I think it's very embedded in his story in the show, and I think that it's really beautifully done," Butler explains. "But I think what Charlie Covell [the show's creator] does amazingly with it is that it's present without being all-encompassing to the story."

"KAOS" is a show that resonates deeply with Butler's own experiences and aspirations. It checks all the boxes for the actor, who has long been captivated by the world of Greek mythology and the portrayal of diverse characters in a captivating setting.

Butler credits Elliot Page as a significant role model, whose coming out journey deeply impacted them. "Elliot Page is probably my biggest queer role model," Butler confesses, "him coming out was such a moving thing for me because I've always felt this draw to him ever since I was a kid."

Growing up, Butler found solace and inspiration in shows like "Orphan Black" and films like "Tomboy" which showcased different facets of the queer experience. These stories provided a vital connection, helping them understand and navigate their own identity. "A lot of the things that made me realise I was not a girl were representations of queer women's stories," Butler shares, "because there were so few examples of trans masculine representation when I was growing up."

Despite the progress in representation, Butler acknowledges the divisiveness within the LGBTQ+ community and the urgent need for education and understanding. "There's such a divisiveness in our community at the moment, and there's so much space for education and growth to combat that," Butler emphasises. "A lot of it comes from ignorance and being told certain narratives."

Looking ahead, Butler believes the future of queer storytelling will be characterised by nuance and intersectionality, encompassing a broader spectrum of experiences and identities. "I think that queer stories have to be intersectional in so many ways, and another thing that we're seeing is queer stories aren't just able-bodied white people anymore," Butler highlights.

"They get to be about people of all races, all abilities, all kinds of people," Butler continues. "I think that's what I love about KAOS, that we never have one type of one person, and I just see that happening more and more."

With the ever-evolving landscape of representation, Butler hopes their work in "KAOS" will leave a lasting impact on the lives of queer youth. "I would love to continue sharing queer stories in the future and I really hope that representation in general, and just being seen, has an effect on queer youth," Butler shares. "It's really hard to see yourself playing any kind of role in your life—I don't even mean seeing yourself as an actor—but seeing people on screen just existing as lovers, as fighters, as fathers, sons, mothers, children, siblings, all of that, it makes you feel part of a wider whole."

"I think it settles you," Butler reflects. "And, for me, watching those TV shows and films, and reading those works that represented the queer experience always helped to make me feel like I belonged, so I really hope KAOS can do that for others."

"KAOS" is available to stream now on Netflix.