BRIDESMAIDS Sequel May Move Forward Without Kristen Wiig?
Bridesmaids was a critical and box office success last year. The ensemble comedy brought in $288 million on a budget of $32 million. The film, penned by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, has also been received Golden Globe, SAG, and PGA nominations, which add up to a possible Oscar nomination. Universal Pictures wants to do a sequel (as you can expect), so why hasn't one been announced?
According to THR, Wiig has refused to do a reprise and stated, "We aren't working on that. Annie and I aren't planning a sequel. We are writing something else." Wiig has been focusing on small dramas, such as the upcoming film Friends With Kids, Imogene, and The Comedian opposite Robert De Niro for director Sean Penn. She is currently adapting the novel Clown Girl, which she hopes to direct.
This news has caused a bunch of speculation as to why. Some say that Wiig and the rest of the cast were not happy with their bonuses from the film. Universal gave each of them only $100,000, which came across as a little low given the box office. Universal's Ron Meyer even offered Wiig an eight-figure paycheck, but she still would not budge.
Sources close to the project have stated Universal is intent on a sequel and may move forward without Wiig. Here is what they had to say:
"We are over the moon with the success of Bridesmaids, and if we do a sequel we want to get it right. We are talking to filmmakers now about concepts, and if the right one emerges, we'll move forward."
It is not known if original director Paul Feig would be involved, but Melissa McCarthy will likely be a key player in the sequel. Producer Judd Apatow is not on board with Universal moving forward with a different team for the sequel:
"The key is we have to come up with an idea that is as good or better than the first one. We don't want to do it unless it can be great. I don't think anyone has had the brain space to think about it yet. Hopefully that can begin this year."
With all of these issues behind the scenes, fans may have to wait awhile for the sequel. I think that the idea of doing a follow-up without Wiig is not a good idea. I did like McCarthy a lot in the movie, and could see her taking the lead if they had to. What are your thoughts on this new?