The next chapter of the Drag Race Down Under franchise is almost here, with local favourites preparing to take on international competitors from across the global Drag Race universe.
Stan and World of Wonder have now revealed the cast and premiere date for Drag Race Down Under vs The World, with Michelle Visage returning to host the international spin-off.
The eleven queen line-up features five returning Drag Race Down Under contestants competing against six queens drawn from international editions of the franchise, representing the United States, United Kingdom, Spain and the Philippines.
Among the Down Under contingent are Art Simone, Coco Jumbo, Flor, Nikita Iman and Vybe, while the international challengers include Drag Race veterans Raven, LaLa Ri, Nicole Paige Brooks, Michael Marouli, Estrella Xtravaganza and M1ss Jade So.
The series follows four seasons of Drag Race Down Under, which launched in 2021 and crowned Kita Mean, Spankie Jackzon, Isis Avis Loren and most recently Lazy Susan.
While Down Under queens have previously competed on international editions including UK vs The World and Canada vs The World, this marks the first time the local franchise has headlined its own Vs The World competition.
Michelle Visage returns to host alongside judge Rhys Nicholson, while reigning Drag Race Down Under champion Lazy Susan joins the judging panel following her victory in season four.
The format also introduces a strategic twist, with the week’s top two queens deciding which of the bottom performers face elimination before a final lip sync determines who ultimately sends a contestant home.
The new series follows similar international spin-offs already established in the United Kingdom and Canada, expanding the global footprint of the Drag Race franchise.
Production was reportedly filmed in Portugal, marking a departure from the New Zealand production base used throughout the first four seasons of Drag Race Down Under.
