Greg Sestero found fame in film for his role in “The Room” – a cult phenomenon referred to by many as the “best worst film ever made.” To celebrate the film’s 20th anniversary, he will return to Owensboro on April 10 for a special screening, question-and-answer forum, and more.
Sestero also wrote a book titled “The Disaster Artist,” which documents his experiences and friendship with the writer and producer of “The Room,” Tommy Wiseau. Well-known actor James Franco soon caught wind of the nonfiction book and quickly transformed it into a comedy-drama film of the same title.
“I had no idea what would happen with ‘The Room,’” Sestero said. “It was one of those things where we made it in my early 20s, it was over, and that was it. I had no idea it would turn into this cult phenomenon and be screened worldwide.”
Sestero is no stranger to Owensboro, as his last venture to Owensboro in 2021 was to showcase his newest film, “Miracle Valley,” which features Owensboro native Louisa Torres. Sestero met Torres when he visited Owensboro at another time and was so impressed when he heard her read a script that he knew she was ready for a substantial role.
“When I came in 2014, and she read some scenes from ‘The Room,’ I knew she was special,” he said. “’Miracle Valley’ is being screened around the world, and people are taking notice of her.”
Rotten Tomatoes gives “The Room” a 26% approval rating with an average score of 3.60 out of 10. Still, screenings sell out around the globe. For reasons unknown, audiences have grown fond of its shortcomings, and Sestero knew his experiences would make a great book.
So, he reverted to his first passion: writing, which he had put on the back burner for many years.
“I knew the story itself could make an excellent movie,” he said. “Three weeks after we published it, James Franco and Seth Rogan, who was making ‘The Interview’ at the time, called and said they wanted to make it into a movie.”
“The Disaster Artist” movie received much higher praise, with a 91% approval rating and an average rating of 7.8 out of 10.
The April 10 screening of “The Room” will run from 7 to 10 p.m. in OCTS’s Blandford Hall, and is organized by Daviess County Public Library and Wesley Johnson. Admission to the event is free, and pre-registration isn’t required.
Attendees will be able to read scripts on stage and interact in multiple ways. Johnson said there’s also a chance that guests will get a sneak peek at Bob Odekirk’s (Saul Goodman) soon-to-be-release remake of “The Room.”
Organizers added that “The Room” is rated R, and parental discretion is advised.
“I’m stoked to come back to Owensboro – it’s a special place,” Sestero said. “This will be a great night dedicated to cinema and movie lovers. It will be special to screen ‘The Room’ 20 years late.”