Was Project X a real party? Truth behind Netflix’s Trainwreck

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Netflix’s documentary, “Trainwreck: The Real Project X,” delves into the incredible real-life tale of a teenage boy who extended an innocent birthday party invitation, unknowingly igniting a massive riot that shook the tranquil Dutch town of Haren in 2012.

One episode in the Trainwreck series stands out as particularly humorous. This show delves into several well-known scandals, including the tragic Astroworld incident involving Travis Scott and the notorious Poop Cruise associated with Carnival.

The Trainwreck series has an amusing episode that focuses on various high-profile scandals, such as the unfortunate Astroworld tragedy with Travis Scott and the infamous Poop Cruise linked to Carnival.

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One entertaining episode in the Trainwreck series examines numerous high-profile scandals, including the sad Astroworld event connected to Travis Scott and the infamous Poop Cruise tied to Carnival.

As a captivated admirer, I can’t help but reflect on the intriguing tale that unfolds when I think back to the time Merthe Weusthuis accidentally made her 16th birthday Facebook event public. Little did she know, this seemingly innocuous action would ignite a whirlwind of chaos. In the blink of an eye, thousands responded with a resounding ‘yes’, and new event pages sprang up, christened as ‘Project X Haren’ – a clever nod to the blockbuster movie of 2012.

In defiance of alerts and efforts to avert it, over a thousand uninvited guests stormed the tranquil Dutch village of Haren. The ensuing chaos resulted in looting, arson, injuries, and apprehensions. This event was authentic – but let’s delve into the film that lent its name to the mayhem.

Was Project X a real party?

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but speculate that the breathtaking scenes and electrifying atmosphere of Project X might have been drawn from a legendary bash in the vibrant city of Melbourne, Australia. While the creators remain tight-lipped about the inspiration behind this cinematic masterpiece, the buzz among fellow fans is undeniable.

In the year 2008, Corey Worthington, who was 16 at the time, organized an extravagant party filled with alcohol when his parents were away on vacation. He used MySpace to advertise the event, which eventually garnered worldwide attention as more than 500 teenagers attended and caused approximately $20,000 worth of damages.

In due course, authorities had to intervene to halt the proceedings, marking just the start of events. Notably, Corey gained widespread attention following his interview by A Current Affair soon after the party, where he appeared on television bare-chested, sporting bleached hair and vibrant yellow sunglasses.

The way he delivered his lines without any expression was what truly captured the hearts of the audience. When inquired about his thoughts during the performance, Corey casually stated, “I didn’t have much going on up there.” Later, he confessed that he had been avoiding his parents’ phone calls, adding humorously, “I think they might want to take me out.

Due to overwhelming demand, he continued to captivate audiences, eventually joining Big Brother Australia in its eighth season that same year. As per his Instagram account, he currently runs a business, is a devoted father, and is involved with the charities Leg Up Project and CannonBalm, focusing on wellness.

However, it’s his party that earned him notoriety, as some speculate it served as the basis for the storyline in Project X, a 2012 teen film directed by Nima Nourizadeh and produced by Todd Phillips.

The movie centers around three companions named Thomas (Thomas Mann), Costa (Oliver Cooper), and J.B. (Jonathan Daniel Brown). Their objective is to attract more friends by organizing a massive party, but things soon spin wildly beyond their management.

At the conclusion, Costa also makes a television appearance for an interview, donning and behaving much like Corey. Yet, during this chat with GQ concerning Corey’s party, author Michael Bacall neither verified nor refuted whether it served as the movie’s inspiration.

The concept originated from Todd Phillips and Scott Budnick, who reached out to me during my work on Scott Pilgrim’s production,” he clarified.

During approximately eight to nine months, I was residing in Toronto and simultaneously working on the second version of 21 Jump Street. Consequently, my schedule was too busy to pen the initial draft for Project X, but I did create a treatment that essentially outlined the structure of the party, the escalation, the major party jokes, and how wild things got.

Initially, their phone call sparked my participation as they proposed a story idea: “A child organizes a party which spins wildly out of control, nearing a neighborhood fire.” My affinity for chaos is evident; I’m particularly fond of stories that revolve around the apocalypse.

Project X inspired multiple copycat parties

The Netflix documentary makes clear that the disorder in Haren was not a unique event. Following the release of Project X in 2012, numerous real-life parties aimed to replicate its chaos, resulting in significant and tangible repercussions.

In March 2012, Michigan high school student Mikey Vasovski organized ‘Project M’ at an abandoned house, sending invitations out via Twitter. The event quickly became viral, with shares happening every second. However, the police intervened before it could start, but Mikey’s marketing skills still earned him a summer internship with Gawker.

A few days after the first incident, an aspiring promoter in Florida attempted to host ‘Project X House Party 2’ at another abandoned property. The event was called off by police before it started, but not before they had to deal with around 2,000 teenagers and imposed a fine of $19,000 on the organizer for property damage.

On the same day as the Florida incident, 13 teens were detained for vandalizing an empty house and causing approximately $100,000 worth of damage at a party reminiscent of Project X in Houston, Texas. Meanwhile, a gathering known as ‘Proyecto X’ took place in Argentina in 2012, attracting roughly 4,500 teens – along with plenty of alcohol.

In the year 2014, things took a turn for the worse with ‘Project P’, an event that unfolded in rural Michigan. This wasn’t your average gathering; it was a rave attracting around 2,000 people. The entertainment included strippers, go-go dancers, and fire performers. Regrettably, the festivities took a dark turn as numerous attendees found themselves overdosing on drugs, and one instance of sexual assault was reported. The organizers eventually faced charges for their role in these unfortunate events. As a gamer, I can only imagine the chaos and confusion that must have ensued.

Subsequently, there was the ‘Fiesta de los 4 Mil’ held in Zapopan, Mexico, which was organized by a teenager for his birthday. The event attracted an overwhelming crowd of around 7,000 people, leading to six injuries, 281 arrests, and the confiscation of weapons and marijuana.

Among the most disturbing incidents was a 2012 party in Houston that resembled a previous event, leading to a tragic outcome as gunshots rang out and one participant lost their life.

Across the Netherlands, Argentina, and the United States, a consistent trend emerged: an infectious invitation, a gathering of youths, and a night that rapidly escalated beyond expectations, culminating in tragic outcomes.

Stream “Trainwreck: The Real Project X” on Netflix! Discover what’s become of Olivia Gondek post “Mayor of Mayhem,” understand the reasons behind the proposed Live Nation boycott following “The Astroworld Tragedy,” and brace yourself for the grimmest moments in “Trainwreck: Poop Cruise.

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2025-07-10 11:19