Don’t Hold Your Breath for a Bridesmaids Sequel
Cautiously Optimistic
The Hollywood Reporter picks apart the reason why we haven’t seen much news about a Bridesmaids sequel, despite a 900% return on their investment of $32 million in the film. In a time when plans for a sequel are often announced prior to the release of the previous film, it does seem mysterious that Universal wouldn’t be hungry for Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo to combine their powers for a second installment.
“We aren’t working on that,” says Wiig, “Annie and I aren’t planning a sequel. We are writing something else.”
Conjecture on THR‘s side is that Universal and Wiig might not have the cosiest of relationships at the moment:
Sources say that some of the six principal cast members (Wiig, [Melissa] McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) were underwhelmed with the $100,000 bonus each received — the sum struck some as low given the film’s outsized success. Asked by THR whether she was offended by the dollar figure, Wiig declined comment.
With Wiig balking, Universal chief Ron Meyer took her to dinner in New York to see whether he could change her mind. He likely dangled an eight-figure payday before her, but the 38-year-old star held firm.
Universal itself is saying predictable (but not unbelievable) things about how they’re talking to “filmmakers,” and if the right idea comes up, they’ll move ahead on it. This also appears to be the stance of producer Judd Apatow, though THR’s source notes “I don’t think [Judd] would proceed without Kristen and Annie’s full participation.”
Lets hope that holds true. Bridesmaids was remarkable not just for being a female created, female themed raunch comedy, but also for being a vehicle for a whole swath of extremely talented female comedians. It would be a pity if it didn’t continue to be a career booster for the ladies who put it together in the first place.
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