Instead, let’s focus on how The Room created Tommy Wiseau, global comedy icon. In a journey full of happy accidents, Wiseau scheduled initial screenings for midnight, a time usually reserved for The Rocky Horror Picture Show and other camp classics that inspire moviegoers to squeeze into fishnet stockings and shout at the screen. Soon, those midnight showings became virtually required. If you were confused about The Room being a comedy before, it was no longer in doubt.
As The Room became a irony-fueled phenomenon, Wiseau took part in the fun, showing up for audience Q&As, signing autographs, and selling official Tommy Wiseau merch. (He designed the boxer shorts himself - buy two now and get one free!) The screenings developed their own complementary comedy, with audiences tossing footballs and chucking plastic cutlery at the film’s myriad pictures of spoons. If you ever get the chance to go, friendly Roomsters have provided how-to instructions for in-person screenings. Don’t forget your red dress!
So Tommy Wiseau was a hit -- but not in any way that he intended. So what does a dude in his position do next?