Bob Odenkirk has always been one to take risks, but remaking the notorious 'The Room' must be a box-ticking exercise for the daredevil actor. Fresh from playing the morally ambiguous Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, Odenkirk is stepping into the shoes of Johnny, the central character in Tommy Wiseau's cult classic. Titled 'The Room Returns', this charity remake has already generated plenty of buzz with its trailer, which sees Odenkirk delivering some of the original film's most quotable lines with his trademark deadpan style.
The trailer gives a glimpse into what promises to be a faithful recreation of Wiseau's bizarre masterpiece. 'The Room Returns' boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Bella Heathcote from Pieces Of Her and Kate Siegel, who won't be unfamiliar with cult following from her work on The Haunting Of Hill House. Even Greg Sestero, one of the original stars of 'The Room', is on board for this charity remake, which was reportedly shot in just 12 hours over a green screen with an incredibly limited budget.
Proceeds from 'The Room Returns' are going straight to good causes – amfAR and Blue Collaborative – adding a meaningful layer to what could have been seen as a purely comedic or nostalgic endeavour. The film's premiere is set for Los Angeles on June 26, ahead of its wider release.
'The Room' has become an unlikely darling in the world of cinema. Love it or hate it, the original's nonsensical plot and cringe-worthy acting have made it a cult classic over two decades since its release. The film's story – centreing on a banker discovering his fiancée's affair with his best friend – is often cited as a prime example of a 'so-bad-it's-good' film.
The original 'The Room' has had its fair share of the limelight, thanks in part to Greg Sestero's memoir and subsequent film adaptation. The brothers James and Dave Franco brought Wiseau's story to an even wider audience with their 2017 film, which earned a Golden Globe for James Franco's performance.
For Odenkirk, taking on this role is perhaps a testament to his resilience after suffering a heart attack in 2021 while filming Better Call Saul. He has been open about the harrowing experience, recalling how crew members initially mistook his collapse for a joke due to their distance from set. His recovery without surgery and subsequent return to work are all the more impressive given the circumstances.