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'What's wrong with HBO?': Internet stunned as report claims George Santos movie in works after disgraced politician expelled from House

The movie announcement by HBO Films came on Saturday, December 2, 2023, just days after George Santos was expelled from the House

WASHINGTON, DC: HBO Films is reportedly working on a movie about George Santos. It will be based on the disgraced congressman's spectacular political rise and the network of fabulist stories that supported it, as per reports.

HBO Films has optioned the rights to the book 'The Fabulist: The Lying, Hustling, Grifting, Stealing, and Very American Legend of George Santos' by Mark Chiusano.

The Hollywood Reporter revealed the movie announcement came on Saturday, December 2, 2023, just days after Santos was removed from the House, an instance that occurred for the first time in 20 years. It is also the first time in history that a sixth House member has been ousted by his peers.

HBO movie to be based on George Santos' election to Congress

The HBO film, which is currently in development, is billed as a meticulous and darkly comedic look at the bizarre and historic Long Island congressional contest that resulted in Santos' election to Congress.

It emanates from Frank Rich, executive producer of the Emmy-winning drama 'Succession' on the network and the Washington, DC, comedy 'Veep' for HBO, per Deadline.

The movie will be written by Mike Makowsky ('Bad Education' on HBO), who will executive produce alongside Rich, while Chiusano will work as a production consultant.

The synopsis of Santos' movie describes it as "the story of a seemingly minor local race that wound up a battle for the soul of Long Island, and unexpectedly carved the path for the world’s most famous (and now disgraced) congressman."

"The Gatsby-esque journey of a man from nowhere who exploited the system, waged war on truth, and swindled one of the wealthiest districts in the country to achieve his American Dream," it continues.

Santos garnered significant attention before to his January sworn in as a member of Congress when it became apparent that his background and resume were fabricated.

The Department of Justice filed multiple new counts against him, including identity theft and wire fraud. While the New York congressman is already facing criminal penalties, he has entered a not-guilty plea.

Internet users slam HBO over movie on George Santos

Following the announcement of the movie about the disgraced congressman, social media users took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their shock and slammed HBO.

One such user slammed the American pay television network and wrote on X"What's wrong with HBO to actually want to make this."

A second one added, "Not everything needs to be a movie."

"Hollywood seriously needs to quit making films about people’s downfalls and start making films about people’s comebacks. I’m not interested in the political spectrum either," seethed a third one.

Another one noted, "There are so many things to make into movies and they choose this guy…"

One more X user snarked, "This is kinda sad but also I will be watching it with utter disgust."

Another asked, "Do we really have to be happy about this? uh no . of course they would have to make a movie about him."

Others shared funny images and memes to showcase how unhappy they were with HBO's decision to make a movie about Santos. Check out the memes below: