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Netflix’s “Boots” Cast Stuns in Bold New Photoshoot with Photographer Erik Carter
READ TIME: 6 MIN.
Netflix’s “Boots,” the acclaimed LGBTQ-themed military dramedy, has become a cultural phenomenon since its premiere, and its latest cast photoshoot with photographer Erik Carter has only fueled the series’ momentum. Released in late October 2025, the new images spotlight the show’s ensemble — including out actors and their straight allies — in a visual celebration of queer visibility, community, and the dismantling of toxic masculinity in Hollywood .
Erik Carter, known for his dynamic portraiture and previous collaborations with LGBTQ+ talent, captured the cast in a series of images that are both playful and powerful. The photos, distributed through Netflix and widely shared on social media by both fans and the actors themselves, feature the “Boots” ensemble dressed in crisp military whites and athletic gear, evoking both the aesthetic of a fashion campaign and the grit of military life .
Carter’s approach to the shoot was to highlight the authenticity and camaraderie that has defined the cast’s off-screen relationships. “The chemistry within this group is undeniable,” Carter recently stated via Instagram (@erik_carter), noting that the cast’s openness and mutual support fostered a space where everyone could be themselves.
Fans have praised the shoot for its unapologetic embrace of queer aesthetics and the evident comfort shared by cast members of all identities. The images feature Miles Heizer (Cameron Cope), Angus O’Brien (Hicks), Dominic Goodman (Nash), Liam Oh (Ray McAffey), Rico Paris (Santos), Blake Burt (John Bowman), and Kieron Moore (Nicholas Slovacek), each bringing personality and vulnerability to the lens .
For Heizer, who leads as the closeted recruit Cameron Cope, the photoshoot was more than a promotional exercise. “Being part of a project where queer people are celebrated, not just tolerated, is huge. This shoot felt like an extension of that — we’re allowed to be fun, sexy, and visible,” he told fans via Instagram (@younggoth) .
“Boots” is adapted from Greg Cope White’s memoir “The Pink Marine” and set in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1990 — a period where LGBTQ+ service members faced institutional hostility and the threat of discharge simply for being themselves. The series, which finally premiered in October 2025 after delays due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes, has been lauded for its balance of humor, heart, and honest depictions of queer life under pressure .
The cast’s diversity extends beyond sexual orientation. Alongside Heizer and Oh, the series features Vera Farmiga, Sachin Bhatt, and Max Parker, each contributing to a narrative that foregrounds intersectionality and the power of chosen family .
What distinguishes the show — and the accompanying photoshoot — is the intentional inclusion of out actors in queer roles, a direct challenge to the industry’s history of straightwashing and erasure. Interviewed by Out, several cast members emphasized the importance of seeing both queer and straight performers collaborating with mutual respect, free from the pressures of toxic masculinity or homophobia .
The release of the new photos sparked a wave of excitement on LGBTQ+ social media, with fans flooding platforms like Instagram (@younggoth, @angusobrien_, @dominicdgoodman, @liam__oh, @nothingsuave, @burt.blake1, @kieronmoore) with supportive messages, fan art, and memes . Many praised the show — and the shoot — for offering rare, joyful glimpses of queer intimacy and friendship in mainstream media.
Commentators noted that the cast’s willingness to be playful, affectionate, and expressive in front of the camera stands in stark contrast to the stoic, often closeted masculinity historically associated with military narratives on screen. “No toxic masculinity and homophobia here, that’s for sure,” wrote Out’s deputy editor Bernardo Sim, echoing widespread sentiment .
The camaraderie, seen both in the show and in Carter’s behind-the-scenes imagery, has turned the “Boots” cast into a symbol of what’s possible when LGBTQ+ inclusion becomes a central value rather than an afterthought .
The impact of “Boots” extends beyond the screen. The series has sparked dialogue about queer representation in genres historically resistant to inclusion, such as military dramas. While the Pentagon has reportedly dismissed the show as “ideological propaganda,” the cast and creative team have been vocal in their commitment to authenticity and representation .
Erik Carter’s photoshoot, distributed widely by Netflix and reposted by LGBTQ+ media outlets, has become a touchstone for conversations about visibility and the shifting landscape of Hollywood. For many young queer viewers, seeing actors unafraid to be open — both in character and in real life — is a powerful affirmation.
As more behind-the-scenes photos emerge, showing the cast laughing, flexing, and teasing each other between takes, the sense of genuine connection is unmistakable. This authenticity, say fans and critics alike, is what makes “Boots” and its cast stand out in a crowded field of streaming content .
For LGBTQ+ audiences, the significance of the “Boots” photoshoot goes beyond aesthetics. It represents a reclamation of space in popular culture, an opportunity for queer people — especially those who have served or are serving in the military — to see aspects of their experiences reflected with empathy and nuance.
The outpouring of support for the cast, both queer and straight, underscores the desire for stories where LGBTQ+ people are not isolated or tokenized, but rather embraced as integral parts of their communities. As one fan commented on Instagram: “It’s not just about being seen — it’s about being celebrated, together.”
By foregrounding queer joy, friendship, and resilience, the “Boots” cast and Erik Carter have delivered more than a promotional shoot; they’ve offered a vision of Hollywood’s future, where diversity is not only welcomed, but essential to the stories we tell .
