Sometimes (read: oftentimes) movie studios produce terrible sequels to smash hit films, sacrificing creativity for big paydays. Think “Ghostbusters II,” “The Hangover Part II,” and any Tyler Perry film.
But actress Kristen Wiig, who co-wrote and starred in last year’s blockbuster “Bridesmaids,” says she’s not about to get sucked in.
“We aren’t working on that,” Wiig told The Hollywood Reporter (THR). “Annie [Wiig’s collaborator] and I aren’t planning a sequel. We are writing something else.”
Universal Studios may forge ahead with the project without her, and instead turn the focus on Melissa McCarthy’s character, Megan, who won big laughs in the original.
“We are over the moon with the success of ‘Bridesmaids,’ and if we do a sequel we want to get it right,” a Universal rep told THR. “We are talking to filmmakers now about concepts, and if the right one emerges, we’ll move forward.”
Sources told the paper that the ensemble of actresses were angry with the $100,000 bonuses they received after the wild success of the movie, which earned nearly $300 million worldwide.
Comedy king Judd Apatow, who directed “40 Year Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up” and produced the female-centric comedy, is shaky on whether he will be involved in any followup.
“The key is we have to come up with an idea that is as good or better than the first one,” Apatow told THR in a statement. “We don’t want to do it unless it can be great.”
So even if Universal Studios is sold, the original cast and crew might not be on board to make a sequel the bride instead of just a bridesmaid.