Bob Odenkirk Will Take on Tommy Wiseau’s ‘The Room’ Role in New Tribute Film: ‘I Tried My Best to Sell Every Line’
Bob Odenkirk is entering “The Room.” The “Better Call Saul” actor has confirmed that he is taking on the lead role of Johnny, originated by writer-director Tommy Wiseau, in a new tribute film to Wiseau’s 2003 cult favorite.
“This is real. This is true,” Odenkirk wrote Wednesday evening. “And let me tell you, I tried my best to SELL every line, as honestly as I could…and I had a BLAST.”
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Slashfilm first reported on the project Wednesday morning, with the “Better Call Saul” star corroborating the contained details through a post on his Twitter account.
This is real. This is true. And let me tell you, I tried my best to SELL every line, as honestly as I could…and I had a BLAST https://t.co/v261E1DKnG
— Mr. Bob Odenkirk (@mrbobodenkirk) March 9, 2023
Before Odenkirk commented on the project, speculation around the project had already emerged on social media in recent weeks. The production comes from Acting for a Cause, an organization that has raised money for various charitable causes by asking for donations tied to digital performances. Founder Brando Crawford directs and produces the tribute, as well as taking on the second lead role of Mark, Johnny’s self-proclaimed best friend. Greg Sestero played Mark in Wiseau’s original film.
Representatives for Odenkirk and Crawford were not immediately available for comment.
Wiseau’s representation tells Variety that Wiseau-Films was not initially contacted on the matter of licensing. In fact, Wiseau and his associates were not aware of the project until Wednesday.
Acting for a Cause has shared an image of Odenkirk in the project. The majority of the production was reportedly shot on a green screen.
“The Room” tribute seeks to raise funds for the nonprofit organization amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research.
Odenkirk reportedly filmed his role in January. No official release date for the project has been confirmed. Actor Cameron Kasky, who is tied to the production, has also shared images of actor Bella Heathcote on set, appearing to play the femme fatale Lisa (originated by Juliette Daniels).
One of the premier cult films of the century, “The Room” emerged from a chaotic, secretively funded independent production to dismal reviews and poor attendance. However, it wasn’t long before the film found an appreciative audience, with Wiseau capitalizing on the situation by organizing and appearing at late-night screenings in Los Angeles. Wiseau continues to promote the film in-person to this day.
The drama, which turns 20 this year, has gained a global following, with specialty screenings encouraging vocal, jeering participation from the audience. Greg Sestero, Wiseau’s co-star, penned a book titled “The Disaster Artist” about his experience making the film. The book was adapted into a 2017 feature directed by James Franco, which earned an Oscar nomination for best adapted screenplay.
Correction: The originally published version of this article described Acting for a Cause’s project as a “remake” of “The Room.” In June 2024, 15 months after publication, the organization strongly disputed the term, instead describing the production as a “tribute.” The article has since been amended. Acting for a Cause founder Crawford also released the following statement.
“Brando Crawford, the visionary director and founder of Acting for a Cause, is thrilled to announce this innovative project is slated for release in 2024. He wishes to emphasize that this adaptation is not a studio remake of the original film, but a heartfelt indie tribute to Tommy Wiseau’s creative genius and independent spirit. … This unique production was shot in a single day with actors using teleprompters to bring the script to life. Additionally, Crawford’s use of chroma key compositing technology on this project opens up many new possibilities for Acting for a Cause’s 2025 slate. This project is made possible by the generosity of its creator, Tommy Wiseau, who is known for his lifelong effort of making the world a better place.”
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