We may not have much in these social-distancing times, but at least Netflix was looking out for us when it released its truly bizarre, truly binge-worthy docuseries, Tiger King.
If you’re here, it’s pretty safe to assume you’ve already watched the series and are more up-to-date on its wild cast of characters than you are on the current lives of your own friends.
And if watching Joe Exotic’s music videos, combing through Tiger King memes and staring at 2001 VMA pics of Britney Spears with the Doc Antle hasn’t given you your Tiger King fix (hey, we all have a lot of time on our hands right now, no judgment), there's good news.
It turns out, there are a lot of celebrities who are just as obsessed with the series - even taking to their social media accounts to campaign for a chance to play one of its breakout characters.
While a TV series (starring SNL’s Kate McKinnon as Carole Baskin) is said to be in the works, we’ve yet to hear of an official film adaptation. But that doesn’t mean it won’t happen, especially if Tiger King’s celeb fanbase has any say in the matter.
Dax Shepard was quick to announce his need to play leading man, Joe Exotic. Tweeting that “Hollywood is broken” if he doesn’t get cast in the part.
However, actor Edward Norton and comedian Dane Cook were quick to challenge Shepard on this, each making it known they’d be at an audition for the role, too.
Meanwhile, Jared Leto hosted a viewing party and dressed up as Joe Exotic. Though he didn't technically share his wish to appear in any future film, he did hashtag himself as Jared Leto Tiger King, so he's probably down.
And when it comes to Joe Exotic’s nemesis Carole Baskin, there’s another celebrity dispute - this time between Jessica Chastain and Bryce Dallas Howard.
Chrissy Teigen has also shown she’s a fan of the show, photoshopping her and her son with John Legend, Miles, into a photo as Joe Exotic.
But allow us to throw Teigen’s hat in the ring for Carole Baskin. Not only have her Twitter and Instagram feeds shown she’s a comedic genius, but she also shares Baskin’s penchant for wearing leopard print.
See this most recent quarantine photo for evidence - a shawl (or possibly blanket) Baskin would be proud to wear alongside her cats.
While these are all worthy candidates, there’s only one actor who can play Joe Exotic, IMO, and that’s David Spade.
Not only is his character, Joe Dirt, essentially Joe Exotic minus the tigers, but the comedian has been interviewing everyone from the show on his Instagram - a head start on character research, if you will. The show’s own Saff told Spade that he was the man for the part, as did several other cast members.
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