Fans are ready for a biopic after seeing a screen test featuring actor Jamie Costa impersonate the late Robin Williams.The actor uploaded the uncanny impersonation, titled "ROBIN Test Footage Scene," to YouTube on Oct. 12, quickly drawing attention from fans of Williams, garnering over 3 million views in the three days it has been online. The test scene depicts Costa-as-Williams on the set of Mork and Mindy in 1982 as he learns about the death of his friend and fellow actor/comedian, John Belushi.
Directed and edited by Jake Lewis, the clip also features actor Sarah Murphree as Williams' costar Pam Dawber. Belushi died from a drug overdose at the age of 33 in 1982 and Wiliams had been with him hours before his death, as is noted in the clip. The emotion-packed performance from Costa elicited a positive fan reaction, with many calling for a biopic starring the YouTuber and former Vine star.
While many fans are excited about the prospect of a biopic of Williams' life, others are less enthused by the clip with several other fans saying the clip was made in poor taste.
The late actor's daughter, Zelda Williams, also tweeted about the test footage, asking fans to refrain from sending her the clip. "Guys, I'm only saying this because I don't think it'll stop until I acknowledge it... please, stop sending me the 'test footage,'" she said. "I've seen it. Jamie is SUPER talented, this isn't against him, but ya'll spamming me an impression of my late dad on one of his saddest days is weird."
This is not the first time she has spoken on social media about being uncomfortable with fan reactions to her father's passing. On the anniversary of her father's death in 2020, Zelda Williams announced that she would be taking a break from social media. Nothing official has been announced in regards to a Robin Williams biopic.
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