Luxxxe Studios Debuts Erotic Soap Opera "Friends in Heat"

Luxxxe Studios is preparing for the debut release of "Friends in Heat," the inaugural series from the new label, with a second season already announced for September 2023. The series, described as an erotic soap opera, features Luxxxe exclusive and brand ambassador Justin Yurmouth, alongside award-winning performer Brian Bonds.

"Friends in Heat" Debuts

Veteran performer and Luxxxe Studios founder JD Daniels is preparing for the release of "Friends in Heat," the first series from his label. Daniels stated that the studio is "trying to create an entire experience around this project" and aims to provide "the full Hollywood treatment."

A teaser trailer for "Friends in Heat" was released earlier this week, focusing on Luxxxe exclusive and brand ambassador Justin Yurmouth. A representative described the series as an erotic soap opera "filled with scandalous, suspenseful, steamy surprises that will have fans wanting more."

The first episode, titled "A Blast From the Past," is scheduled for release this spring. It costars Brian Bonds and is directed by Jasun Mark, in collaboration with director of photography Anthony Duran and photographer Mark Hersh. The cast also includes Matteo Nevaeh, Aaron Trainer, and Jake Waters.

Yurmouth and Bonds portray friends whose passion drives a "Will they or won't they?" storyline. Daniels teased that the dynamic "becomes very realistic, very intense and passionate, and leads to an explosive situation at the end." He added that "there is a spark, a flame, as they decide to explore each other’s desires and see how far they can take things within the boundary of their friendship."

Daniels credited Duran as "wonderfully supportive" for his assistance in building the creative team and for bringing Mark aboard. Yurmouth, who has become the face of Luxxxe, initially connected with Daniels at a pre-pandemic industry networking event organized by JustFor.fans.

Daniels recalled Yurmouth as "a helluva wonderful man, very dedicated" and "quite a character at this party, cracking jokes." He noted that he "loved his character and we just stayed in touch." Daniels described Yurmouth as "very hot, very sexual" with "a great sense of humor," leading to the offer for him to join as an exclusive, which he accepted. Yurmouth has been with Luxxxe "since the start."

When casting the co-lead for "Friends in Heat," Daniels remembered a self-produced clip on JustFor.fans featuring Yurmouth, Mason Lear, and Bonds. Daniels stated, "I knew Justin wanted to work with Brian again. I mean, you could tell the chemistry was already there from that clip." He also noted that Bonds "hasn't been cast in a lot of lead roles" and "really kept up with it." Daniels expressed pride in both performers, anticipating that audiences "are really going to enjoy seeing them interact and follow along as their story develops."

Daniels characterized Luxxxe as "a brand with a touch of class, a real luxury brand, as the name suggests." He stated that "Friends in Heat" was designed to convey this aesthetic, describing the series as conveying "glamour, some bitchiness, some aggression. The sort of style you don't always get in gay adult movies."

Season Two Announced for September 2023

Luxxxe Studios announced on Friday, September 15, 2023, that the debut episode of "Friends in Heat: Season Two" would be released on September 20 on both AEBN.com and NakedSword.com. The episode, titled “In the Heat of the Moment,” features Luxxxe exclusive and executive brand ambassador Justin Yurmouth, returning as Jake Carmichael, and award-winning performer Brian Bonds as Darryl McDaniels.

Season Two picks up two years after the first season, with the newly engaged couple addressing a family issue by consulting Judge Zach Ramsey, played by Luxxxe Studios exclusive Jayden Jaxx. The plot involves Darryl entertaining Judge Ramsey before Jake arrives, turning a twosome into a threesome. Jake is relieved when the Judge agrees to help.

Returning cast members include GayVN award-winner Aaron Trainer as Todd Ramsey and Matteo Neveah as millionaire restaurateur Jonas Donavan. New additions to the cast include Archer Croft as Allen Carmichael, Ryan Carter as Senator Jeffrey Kaninsky, Jason Collins (also known as Masculine Jason) as Mayor Ethan Christiansen, and Luxxxe exclusive Luke London, in his first appearance for the studio, as Brad Harrington.

JD Daniels, Luxxxe Studios founder and CEO, expressed his anticipation for the premiere of Season 2, Episode 1, stating it was "one I’ve been looking forward to since we ended Season 1." Daniels also noted his involvement in developing and co-writing the first episode with Stephen Michaels. He expressed satisfaction in bringing back much of the original cast and crew, while also introducing new actors with "interesting and dynamic" characters.

Luxxxe Studios and JD Daniels

JD Daniels, a prolific performer, has transitioned his career with the launch of Luxxxe Studios. This venture coincided with his receipt of the 2021 Raven's Eden Honor for "Entertainer of the Decade," an award he shared with Zario Travezz. Daniels expressed pride in this recognition, stating, "The fact that 2 men of color won that award is incredibly significant to me." He added that such acknowledgment "doesn't come very often" and "tells me that I had an impact on my fans. And now I want to carry the torch forward."

Daniels noted that challenges encountered while establishing his company, including setbacks due to the pandemic, only strengthened his resolve. He expressed optimism about the future, stating, "But with Justin and so many other incredible, creative people coming aboard, who knows how far this can go?"

Luxxxe Studios features a gallery of "Featured Guys" including Justin Yurmouth, Brian Bonds, Aaron Trainer, Jake Waters, and Masculine Jason. The studio's website also offers "Scene Teasers" and "Behind The Scenes" content for "Friends in Heat." DVDs for "Friends in Heat: Seasons One & Two" are available, with streaming on AEBN and Naked Sword. The series features an original song, “Smoke & Mirrors” by Dakota Payne, available on Spotify and Apple Music. "Friends in Heat" has been nominated for "Movie of the Year," and Brian Bonds has been nominated for a GAYVN Best Supporting Actor award.

Key Facts

• Luxxxe Studios is launching its debut series, "Friends in Heat," with a second season announced for September 20, 2023.
• JD Daniels, veteran performer and Luxxxe Studios founder and CEO, created the label.
• Justin Yurmouth, Luxxxe exclusive and brand ambassador, and Brian Bonds, award-winning performer, star in the series.
• "Friends in Heat" is described as an erotic soap opera, with the first episode titled "A Blast From the Past."
• Season Two, titled "In the Heat of the Moment," features returning cast members and new additions, including Jayden Jaxx and Luke London.
• JD Daniels received the 2021 Raven's Eden Honor for "Entertainer of the Decade," shared with Zario Travezz.