Twitter users might’ve turned a fake movie starring Rihanna into a real one

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

So this is pretty cool! Apparently Twitter users might've accidentally created a real-life movie out of practically thin air! And if it does indeed get made, that would be an exciting precedent!

Anyway, it all began with this tweet:

A picture for the history books pic.twitter.com/OgxAGZMn4Z

— ash (@blaquepink) April 18, 2017

Then there was a reply that said:

Rihanna looks like she scams rich white men and lupita is the computer smart best friend that helps plan the scans https://t.co/PhWs1xd3nj

— k (@1800SADGAL) April 18, 2017

After that, a bunch of tweets followed that created an entire story, plot beats, dialogue, twists, etc. Then, this happened:

I'm down if you are @rihanna https://t.co/vwHBWeCbFZ

— Lupita Nyong'o (@Lupita_Nyongo) April 21, 2017

And then this:

I'm in Pit'z https://t.co/Kz0o3lBEmL

— Rihanna (@rihanna) April 23, 2017

Now, so far, it just seems like two friends having fun. However, the tweets continued, with fans figuring out who could write and direct. Eventually people settled on Ava DuVernay (SELMA, A WRINKLE IN TIME) as the director, and Issa Rae to write. Pipe dream, right? Well…

@MikelleStreet @rihanna Lights set. Camera's up. Ready to call action for these #queens. 👑 pic.twitter.com/NVgqpFeTnu

— Ava DuVernay (@ava) April 24, 2017

@dvrrxll @rihanna pic.twitter.com/XG2WMribGJ

— Issa Rae (@IssaRae) April 23, 2017

So now Twitter users had created a story, cast its leads, and even apparently hired a writer and director to it. Hell, even Oscar-nominated producer Helen Estabrook (YOUNG ADULT, WHIPLASH) offered to produce! But, I mean, just because they all want to do it, doesn't mean they will do it. However, then this happened:

@Lupita_Nyongo @rihanna Lionsgate is ready! Are you guys serious? If so a deal can be done this week!

— Codeblack Life (@CodeblackLife) April 24, 2017

Yes, apparently Lionsgate is prepared to make the film! Holy shit! That was fast!

Now, don't get me wrong, none of this is a done deal. But Vanity Fair has reached out to Rihanna, Nyong’o, Lionsgate, and the other players to see if this is real or just them having fun. Apparently Issa Rae responded: "Oh I’m definitely going to shoot my shot…This is an amazing opportunity!" which is certainly encouraging.

Whether or not this does end up happening, we at least have some fan-fiction that Lupita Nyong’o shared on Instagram:

 

Not #FanArtFriday, but had to shout out the amazing #FanArt for our #NeverBeenMade #TwitterInspired movie, CASHING IN, starring me & @badgalriri, directed by @directher and written by @issarae. (Artists largely unknown. Please tag 'em)

A post shared by Lupita Nyong'o (@lupitanyongo) on Apr 23, 2017 at 2:37pm PDT

And even some sample dialogue:

Rihanna: "Target…"
Lupita: "Two rows down.Mr. Fox Welsh.Tall.Handsome.Recently divorced. Net Worth: 600 million"
Rihanna: "…acquired." pic.twitter.com/uX8I7NnWc2

— X (@XLNB) April 21, 2017

Hell, even if this film doesn't sound like your cup of tea, imagine the possibilities if this becomes the new precedent? Maybe your awesome idea about an alien and robot buddy-cop action/comedy set during the apocalypse starring Vin Diesel and Jim Carrey that is also a musical and a metaphor for the War of 1812 directed by David Fincher and written by Charlie Kaufman can become a reality as well! Is there any time those two were photographed together? Let me know!