In the past few days, an obscure impressionist named Jamie Costa has become almost famous, thanks to a viral YouTube video that has more than 2 million views and counting. “Robin Test Footage Scene” features Costa as Robin Williams, in a scene from a supposed biopic of the actor that is neither cast nor planned.
In reality, it’s a short film that apparently was intended to make the case that Costa could and maybe should play the late, beloved San Francisco comedian if such a biopic were made.
The short film takes place on the morning of March 5, 1982, and depicts Williams in makeup, running his lines, when his “Mork & Mindy” co-star Pam Dawber (Sarah Murphree) enters and breaks the news that John Belushi has died. Williams had been partying with the comedian the night before.
That Jamie Costa “ROBIN Test Footage Scene” on YouTube is phenomenal. Whenever I unexpectedly hear Robin Williams voice it gets me right to the pit of my stomach. This made me tear up! 😩 Jamie Costa deserves an award for this 5 minute clip alone. #RobinWilliams #JamieCosta pic.twitter.com/JyMDXq9J1Q
— RoyHBT (@RoyHBT) October 13, 2021
“Robin Test Footage Scene” is at least achieving some of its intended effect. If you read the YouTube comments, the response has been hugely positive, and many people are saying that, on the basis of this one scene, Costa should be cast as Williams immediately.
Are they right? Here are my arguments in favor of Costa starring in a potential Robin Williams feature.
He’s unknown: Though in terms of box office, casting a bona fide star as Williams might seem the way to go, who’d want to step into those shoes? Casting an established entity to play such a familiar and beloved personality would create a clash of identities. An unknown is the way to go for the lead role. If they need stars — and the film would — they can be cast in supporting roles.
He’s the right age: Costa is 31, which means he could play Williams pre-stardom. If they need to make him older, they can always add makeup. There’s no makeup that makes anyone look younger.
He’s the right size: Williams was about 5-foot-7, and Costa looks to be about the same size. We don’t need a 6-foot-2 Williams. He wouldn’t be the same guy.
Costa really, really looks like Williams: Watch the video. It’s uncanny.
This isn't acting, this is reincarnation. I would love to write a witty headline here, but Jamie Costa becoming Robin Williams has me shook up https://t.co/43nk3x3l9i
— Dr. Farkenstein (@fark) October 13, 2021
He doesn’t just sound like Williams. He can act: This is why Costa needed to make the video. A lot of impressionists can do the voice, but inhabiting the soul of the character is something else. When Costa, as Williams, gets the bad news and says, “Not John” — it’s goose bumps.
Whatever Costa doesn’t have, he can get: If a Williams biopic were ever to materialize, Costa wouldn’t just be flung in front of the camera. He’d be working with a director, and a good director would help him add whatever elements weren’t already there. For example, Williams had a spring-loaded quality, like he was about to jump out of his skin. In a full portrait, Costa would have to rope that quality in.
Jamie Costa would absolutely kill it as Robin Williams in a biopic. He was born to play this role. I seriously hope this gets picked up and greenlit by a major studio. #RobinWilliams #JamieCostahttps://t.co/mSo3KYUbvA
— Hunter Gwin 🍕 (@thehuntergwin) October 12, 2021
If they do make the movie, what a story it would be: People would be writing about this from today through the film’s opening. A relative unknown makes a video and ends up basically casting himself in a movie made to order. It’s a fairy tale. People would love this. People would be rooting for this. This would be the first time this ever happened. A “Robin” biopic, starring Costa, would have the goodwill of the entire world behind it. Then they’d just have to make a good movie.
The verdict: I’m with the YouTube commenters. I want this picture to go into production yesterday.
Of course, there’s many a slip between the cup and the lip, as they used to say, and many amazing things that we imagine don’t end up happening. But Costa has made the case for himself. Now the ball is in Hollywood’s court.