13 Bonds Between Queer & Straight Twin Characters

The Prime Video series Prisma returns for its second season on Amazon, June 6. The Italian series stars Mattia Carrano as Andrea & Marco, identical twin brothers navigating their coming of age, along with their circle of friends, as they explore their identities from two very different perspectives. The series puts a spotlight on the similarities and major differences that can impact the relationship between twin siblings when one is straight and the other is exploring their queerness. In honor of the returning series, this week's listicle highlights the bonds between straight and queer twins featured in other series and films. Leave a comment below if we missed any of your favorites. 

Quentin & Antoine
Film: Give Me Your Hand (2008)
The French drama follows 18-year-old identical twins, Quentin (Victor Carril) and Antoine (Alexandre Carril), hitchhiking to Spain for their mother's funeral. The trip brings to light their differences, as bouts of jealousy permeate their relationship. When Quentin meets and strikes up a secret romance with Hakim (Samir Harrag), Antoine steps in to separate them. When he later needs money, he attempts to pimp his brother out to a man cruising for sex, almost leading to Quentin being assaulted. This separates the twins, until they finally meet at the funeral. The reunion is short-lived as Quentin's suggestion of returning home to their father is met with fury. Their near-death brawl ends with Quentin turning his back on his brother and walking away, showing that despite love, not all twins were meant to be inseparable.

 

Brandy & Brando
Film: Bromance: My Brother's Romance (2013)
Another film based around the conflict between twins, this Filipino comedy starred Zanjoe Marudo as Brando & Brandy, twins with opposite personalities and sexualities. The two share a tumultuous relationship, often at each other's throats until Brando meets Brandy's new school friend Erika (Cristine Reyes) and becomes instantly smitten. When the gay Brandy is hit by an ambulance and left in a coma, Brando assumes his identity in order to save Brandy's business and pay off his debts, while getting closer to Erika. As polar opposites, these twins did not share a healthy relationship and the film plays Brandy's flamboyant lifestyle for laughs, especially after Brando assumes his identity. However, the film does provide a positive ending as Brando gains a new appreciation for Brandy and the way he lives his life.

 

Cecil & Randy
Film: Randy and the Mob (2007)
This crime comedy stars Academy Award winner Ray McKinnon as Randy, a down-on-his-luck entrepreneur who finds himself in debt with mobsters and the IRS, causing him to reach out to his identical twin brother Cecil for help. The unlikable Randy comes looking for money from his much more successful brother. Cecil and his partner Bill (Tim DeKay) take Randy in and ultimately help him get through the dangers that eventually catch up to him. McKinnon, who also wrote and directed the film, played both brothers, presenting them as polar opposites. However, it's the bond of family that ultimately shines through as Cecil proves to be there for his brother during his time of need, especially as his life hangs in the balance, and despite his own conflicts within their larger family, when it comes to his sexuality.

 

Caden & Lily
Film: Say Yes (2018)
Twins Lily (Leah McKendrick) and Caden (Matt Pascua) find themselves faced with a unique situation. The twins share a close bond, but after Lily is diagnosed with cancer, she senses the potential connection between the pansexual Caden and her husband Beau (Patrick Zeller). She begins playing matchmaker between the two men, in the hopes that they will grow even closer and take care of one another after her death. She works to get them to open their hearts and see what she sees, believing that there is love there. The unconventional drama focuses on the close relationship between the twins, as Caden immediately moves in to help take care of his ailing sister, and the selfless Lily becomes more intent on ensuring that Caden & Beau choose their future based on love, not on gender.

 

Sprite & Zee
Series: Twins: The Series (2023-2024)
Ritchanon Sriprasitdacha played the dual roles of identical twins Sprite & Zee, athletic teens estranged by their parents' divorce which saw them separated for years. But when the gay Sprite stands up to his jujitsu rival, the bully seeks revenge with a late-night attack. However, it's Zee that is victimized due to mistaken identity. Sprite then steps in to take his brother's identity to prevent him from losing his volleyball career. The straight Zee works through his recovery, shocked that his brother would put his life on hold for him. Their childhood friend Salmon (Ruethaiphat Phatthananapaphangkorn) brings the brothers together, while sparks fly for her and Zee. Sprite finds his own love on the team in First (Ryan Panya McShane), which is complicated when First sees Zee & Salmon together, unaware of the twins. In the end, the brothers make things right and get their happy endings.

 

Tal & Janelle
Series: Step Up: High Water (2018)  
The series began with Tal (Patrice Jones) and Janelle (Lauryn Alisa McClain) thrown into a whole new world, as the twins were sent to live with their uncle. Given the upheaval, it's no surprise that the two leaned on one another. After enrolling in the High Water Performing Arts School, they each found new avenues of expression through dance, opening themselves up to new experiences. There was some instant conflict between them as both developed a crush on the same dancer, Dondre (Marcus Mitchell). His interest in Janelle would win out, but Tal found his own sparks with Johnny (Al Calderon), keeping the twins' relationship strong. Janelle's decision to leave Atlanta after the first season, however, changed this dynamic for the remainder of the series, with Tal continuing his coming of age without his twin by his side.

 

Skylar & Dakota
Film: The KAOS Brief (2017)
The sci-fi horror thriller centered on internet content creator Skylar (Drew Lipson) and his twin sister Dakota (Charlie Morgan Patton), who get wrapped up in a potentially-extraterrestrial conspiracy when they record a mysterious set of lights in the sky while camping with Skylar's boyfriend Corey (Marco DelVecchio) and Dakota's boyfriend Tren (Akanimo Eyo). The found footage film depicted the closeness of the teen twins, as they struggled with some personal mystery in the form of their family history, while trying to figure out the mystery behind the lights and the group of sinister men in all black that descend upon them after Skylar posts the footage on his YouTube channel. They struggle against the mounting chaos, always keeping their sibling's safety in mind, especially after their boyfriends are eliminated.

 

Steven & Imogen
Series: Head High (2020-2021)  
The New Zealand sports drama included supporting character Imogen (Jaime McDermott) and her gay brother Steven (Richard Crouchley). The twins' romantic entanglements would affect the rugby plotlines as Imogen's abuse at the hands of a rugby coach caused drama, as did Steven's blossoming romance with one of the players, Niko (Dylan Thuraisingham). While outside forces worked to keep Imogen's abuse secret and prevent Niko & Steven's romance, the twins were constantly standing by one another and their decisions for their lives. Steven helped Imogen find evidence of her abuse and Imogen provided him advice as he dealt with Niko's closeted lifestyle. While they had opposite personalities, with Imogen being more boy-crazy and Steven known for his intelligence, those differences never caused conflict between them.

 

Simon & Brittany
Series: The Big Leap (2021)
Simon (Adam Kaplan) and Brittany (Anna Grace Barlow) joined the reality show competition to gain spots in a coveted revival of Swan Lake. The inseparable twins came ready to compete and destroy anyone that got in their way. Their shared arrogance and vanity, however, were no match for love. When sparks flew between Simon and fellow competitor Justin (Raymond Cham Jr.), his focus in the competition shifted. Brittany plotted against Justin's bestie Gabby (Simone Recasner), but tempered their rivalry in the face of the boys' blossoming romance, which took center stage as the guys landed the leads in the Swan Lake production. The softening of Adam's heart led to the same effect for Brittany, and their bond was further tested upon the arrival of their scheming stage mom, forcing the two to confront their past in order to move forward.

 

Ryan & Sharpay
Film: High School Musical franchise (2006-2008)  
Over the course of the three films in the High School Musical franchise, twins Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale) and Ryan (Lucas Grabeel) were often inseparable. Throughout her many outlandish antics and drive to be a star, Sharpay depended on Ryan to help achieve her goals and he proved to be the last straw when it came to her turning around her behavior. If Ryan ever openly disagreed with her, Sharpay knew she was in the wrong. This was further proven by Ryan being her constant support, with their shared dreams of stardom. Ryan & Sharpay fought for lead roles in their school musicals, despite being siblings. Ryan's sexuality was never discussed during the films, as he came out sometime after high school. The fact that his sexuality played no part in their on-screen relationship prevents the twins from being higher on this list.

 

Dario & Anna
Film: The Invisible Thread (2022)  
While dealing with his fathers' crumbling marriage, teen Leone (Francesco Gheghi) befriends his classmate Anna (Giulia Maenza) and her twin brother Dario (Matteo Oscar Giuggioli) in this Italian drama. The twins are extremely close and when Anna mistakes Leone for being gay, she attempts to set Dario up with him, unaware that it's actually her that Leone is interested in as they spend more time together. One would think this would lead to drama between the twins, but the strength of their relationship shines through and Dario is extremely supportive of Leone pursuing his sister after learning that he's not actually gay. Given Italy's struggles with equality for homosexuals, Anna's unapologetic relationship with Dario and her open love for her twin has an impact on Leone and how he interacts with his gay dads.  

 

Ethan & Aiden
Series: Teen Wolf (2013-2014)
Season 3 of the series introduced Ethan (Charlie Carver) and Aiden (Max Carver), a pair of twin vampires with the unique ability to merge into a larger creature, placing them in a dangerous position for the show's protagonists. It wasn't long though before they were joining the forces of good, in the name of love. Aiden pursued Lydia (Holland Roden) while Ethan romanced Danny (Keahu Kahuanui). The inseparable duo were often over-protective of each other and worked to prove to the other characters that they were not really bad guys. Their closeness led to their most powerful moment when Aiden was killed in battle, helping the heroes. Ethan was at his brother's side in his final moments, with each of them able to feel the other's pain. Without Aiden, Ethan felt he was unable to stay in town and he left alone. 

 

T.J. & Douglas
Series: Political Animals (2012)
T.J. (Sebastian Stan) and Douglas (James Wolk) were the twin sons of Secretary of State Elaine Barrish (Sigourney Weaver). The twins were polar opposites with Douglas being a straight-laced guy working for his mother, while the gay T.J. was the slacker with drinking and drug problems. Despite being twins, T.J. looked up to Douglas and worked to gain the trust and pride of his parents, which he felt came easily for them with Douglas. When T.J. looked to start his own business, his parents rejected the notion that T.J. could successfully own and operate a club, given his vices. It was Douglas that gave him a major loan to get it started and when T.J. fell off the wagon, it was Douglas that he sought out for help. Despite their opposite personalities, the two were shown to be extremely close throughout the short-lived series and promised to always be there for one another.