Remember that epic story about a stripper named Zola who went on a 48-hour adventure with another stripper and her boyfriend/pimp that took the Internet by storm? Well, if you do, the saga is continuing on the big screen. Yep you read that right; the Twitter saga is going to be adapted into a movie, and it’s already cast its lead, actress Taylour Paige according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Just to refresh your memory, a 20-year-old named Aziah Wells, also known as Zola, gained notoriety after she chronicled a 78-tweet story about an insane weekend with two people she barely knew. The suspenseful and hilarious recollection was possibly the most revolutionary use of storytelling through social media this generation has seen. And after gaining viral attention, many showed interest in transforming the story into a movie.
Janicza Bravo, who has directed episodes of Atlanta, Love, and Dear White People has reportedly signed on to direct the film. She replaces James Franco, who was originally set to direct the film in 2016. A24 will be producing it.
Bravo and A24 initially conducted a nationwide search to find the perfect actress to play Zola. It wasn’t until Taylour Paige auditioned one later that they knew they had the right girl. “I’m at a coffee shop in L.A. and in walks this girl. I’m entranced and can’t stop staring. It’s the way she sits in her body. It’s agency. It’s self-possession … everything that drew me to telling this story,” Bravo said. “One year later she auditions, and I knew instantly — like, I knew it then: After seeing 700 girls, the one meant to be finally walked in.”
A24 added in a statement: “Zola is an iconic, iconoclastic role, and Taylour and Janicza are exactly the people to bring the character to life. We’re thrilled to be working with them on this too-real-to-be-true saga, a defining and legendary entry in the deeply American road trip genre.”
Zola does not have a release date at this time. Stay tuned for more details.
READ MORE: James Franco To Direct ‘Zola’ Twitter Stripper Story