The Path from TikTok to Hollywood
What happens after going viral can be just as unpredictable as the initial viral moment itself. You might face backlash, become a meme, or, as in some cases, land a Hollywood deal. Tareasa Johnson, known online
What happens after going viral can be just as unpredictable as the initial viral moment itself. You might face backlash, become a meme, or, as in some cases, land a Hollywood deal.
Tareasa Johnson, known online as Reesa Teesa, appears to be experiencing the latter. In February, she captivated TikTok audiences with her 50-part video series “Who TF Did I Marry?”, detailing her whirlwind relationship with a man she started dating in March 2020. Now, according to Variety, her story is being adapted for television.
This development is part of a growing trend where viral internet content is being transformed into television, film, and podcast projects. Charles Lindsey, an associate professor of marketing at the University at Buffalo School of Management, explains that social media stars are increasingly crossing over into traditional media. “The media landscape is much more interconnected and democratized now,” Lindsey said. “The crossover potential is significantly greater than it was just a few years ago.”
Recent examples include Haliey Welch, known as Hawk Tuah Girl, who recently announced a podcast, “Talk Tuah,” in collaboration with Jake Paul’s media company, Betr. Additionally, director Michael Bay and former Paramount Pictures President Adam Goodman are reportedly in talks to adapt the wildly popular YouTube series “Skibidi Toilet” for television and film. This series, which boasts over 43 million subscribers, began with an 11-second video by Georgian creator Alexey Gerasimov.
Lindsey notes, “Consumer psychology has shifted; there’s less hesitation to engage with content creators who started on social media.”
Johnson’s videos were praised for their compelling storytelling. In her series, Johnson recounts her tumultuous relationship with her ex-husband, whom she met during the early days of the pandemic. He initially introduced himself as a regional manager of a condiment company, quickly moved in with her during the Georgia COVID lockdown, and they married in January 2021. She discovered numerous deceptions about him, including fake job details and false personal information, leading to their divorce in June 2021.
Despite using a pseudonym, Legion, in her videos, Johnson’s ex-husband, Jerome McCoy, has publicly denied her claims.
Johnson’s captivating story attracted the attention of Creative Artists Agency, with whom she signed shortly after posting her videos. Following the recent announcement of the television adaptation, Johnson shared her excitement on TikTok, where she has over 3 million followers. “Finally, the news is out,” she wrote. “I didn’t disappear, I was in negotiations! I am BEYOND excited to work with THE Natasha Rothwell. We are about to change the game. Get ready, get set, GO!!!”
Natasha Rothwell, known for her roles in “Insecure” and “The White Lotus,” will portray Johnson and serve as the executive producer through her production company, Big Hattie Productions. Many fans have expressed enthusiasm about Rothwell’s involvement, praising her comedic talent.
However, the transition from internet content to the big screen is not always seamless, and it remains to be seen how Johnson’s original story will fare in its new format.
