In the often-turbulent world of television development, sometimes the most promising projects hit an unexpected wall. The proposed HBO Max series based on the novel “Anon Pls”, which was initially announced four years ago, has been officially shelved.
Despite the cancellation, the story surrounding this project—and the unique premise it offered—remains fascinating. The development of the drama involved major players like Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, and it received a script-to-series order in 2022, signaling serious intent from the industry.
The underlying concept centered on the wildly popular online phenomenon known as DeuxMoi, an Instagram account boasting 2.3 million followers dedicated entirely to celebrity gossip. The book itself was a collaboration between the anonymous creators and New York Times bestselling author Jessica Goodman.
Beyond the superficial celebrity chatter, the creative vision delved into an autofiction narrative that explored the chaotic reality behind the screen. The story followed an assistant to a notorious celebrity stylist as she attempted to transform her old Instagram account into a full-fledged gossip blog—all while navigating the confusing currents of intoxication and unexpected fame.
The narrative suggested a journey of discovery, where initial expectations of obscurity dissolved when the success of the online venture unexpectedly started reshaping the assistant’s real life. It was a story about how the private world of celebrity whispers can suddenly collide with public reality.
Though the series did not move forward, the concept highlighted the tension between digital notoriety and personal experience. It showed that even seemingly trivial online gossip can serve as fertile ground for compelling dramatic storytelling.
Credit: Dark Horizons
