Natasha Rothwell is enthusiastic about adapting Reesa Teesa’s viral TikTok series, “Who TF Did I Marry?” into a new project, highlighting a deep connection she felt upon meeting the TikTok star.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Rothwell revealed that while filming season three of The White Lotus in Thailand, her social media was flooded with tags related to Johnson’s compelling 52-part series chronicling her tumultuous marriage and subsequent divorce from a man she refers to as “Legion.” It wasn’t until a cousin shared a creative mock movie cover featuring her that Rothwell decided to delve into the series. “I binged it on site,” she confessed.
The actress, 43, noted that her immediate reaction wasn’t focused on transforming the story for television. Instead, she felt a strong desire to uplift Johnson, recognizing the raw honesty and vulnerability presented in the series, which has garnered over 6 million views per video. “I want to do everything in my power to help this woman get her flowers,” Rothwell said.
Amidst intense competition in Hollywood to adapt Johnson’s story, Rothwell emphasized her interest in the person behind the narrative, rather than the trauma itself. “It was her — who she is as a person, how she survived all of it,” she explained. Drawing from her experience creating and starring in Hulu’s How to Die Alone, Rothwell approached the negotiations with a philosophy of patience and authenticity.
Her approach proved successful, as Johnson expressed a desire to collaborate with Rothwell after their initial meeting. Rothwell described feeling “so honored” when she learned of Johnson’s choice to work with her. The excitement was mutual, as Johnson publicly expressed her enthusiasm about teaming up with Rothwell.
When they met in person for dinner earlier this month, Rothwell felt an immediate bond. “We were just in such a mutual love bubble of just enjoying each other and understanding each other,” she recalled.
As for the project’s development, Rothwell noted that it remains in the early stages, but she is eager to approach Johnson’s story in a comprehensive manner. “I think she’s far more interesting than what has happened to her,” Rothwell said, hinting at a narrative that transcends the sensational aspects of her past.