Bridesmaids 2: The Sequel We Want?

The 2011 comedy Bridesmaids was a critical and commercial success, but there are currently no plans for a sequel. Director Paul Feig has explained that the challenge of creating an emotionally engaging narrative for a follow-up film would be difficult, suggesting that a funny wedding on its own wouldn't be enough to carry the movie. Lead actress and co-writer Kristen Wiig has also expressed disinterest in a sequel, stating that the first film's story had an end. While some of her co-stars, including Melissa McCarthy and Rose Byrne, have shown interest in a second movie, it seems that fans will have to continue enjoying the original Bridesmaids rather than getting a Bridesmaids 2.

Kristen Wiig is decidedly uninterested in a sequel

Kristen Wiig has been clear about her lack of interest in a follow-up to the 2011 comedy Bridesmaids. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Wiig, who co-wrote the screenplay and played Annie Walker in the film, stated that she is "decidedly uninterested" in a sequel.

Wiig's comments shut down any possibility of a Bridesmaids 2, despite interest from her former co-stars Melissa McCarthy and Rose Byrne. McCarthy expressed her enthusiasm for a second movie in a 2023 interview with People, stating that she would be on board even if the cast were "all in our nineties". Similarly, Byrne told People in 2023 that she would "absolutely" make a sequel if "all the girls were in".

Wiig, however, feels that the story of Bridesmaids had a definitive ending. "That story had an end, and it’s so beloved to me for 10 million reasons, and I think it’s OK to just have it exist in the world as it is," she said.

Director Paul Feig has also expressed doubts about a potential sequel, acknowledging the challenges of replicating the success of the first film. He explained that the heart of Bridesmaids was Wiig's character's emotional journey of self-repair, and a sequel would require a compelling narrative beyond just "a funny wedding".

While fans may be disappointed, it seems that Wiig and Feig are content to let Bridesmaids stand on its own as a beloved and successful female-driven comedy.

Melissa McCarthy has expressed interest in a second movie

While there are no plans for a "Bridesmaids 2" movie, Melissa McCarthy has expressed interest in a second film. In 2023, McCarthy told People that she would be up for a sequel, even if the cast were "all in our nineties". She said that if writers Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo were on board, she would be too.

McCarthy's enthusiasm for a sequel is not shared by her co-stars, however. Wiig, who co-wrote the screenplay and played Annie Walker, told The Hollywood Reporter that she is "decidedly uninterested" in a follow-up. "That story had an end, and it's so beloved to me for 10 million reasons, and I think it's OK to just have it exist in the world as it is," she said.

Director Paul Feig has also expressed doubts about a sequel. He told Vanity Fair that while a sequel "could be fun", the first film worked because of Wiig's character arc, and he's not sure how that could be replicated. "You've got to have something that you can emotionally engage in again and not just go, 'It's Megan's crazy wedding in the Bahamas!' and all kinds of hijinks happen," he said.

Despite the lack of plans for a sequel, "Bridesmaids" has had a lasting impact on female-led comedies. The film grossed over $280 million at the worldwide box office and proved that female-driven comedies could be successful. It also earned McCarthy a nomination for the 2011 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Paul Feig said a sequel would need something you can emotionally engage in again

Director Paul Feig has explained why a sequel to the 2011 film Bridesmaids is unlikely. Feig said that the original film worked because of the emotional journey of Kristen Wiig's character, Annie Walker, who was a confident person before a series of misfortunes left her life in disarray. According to Feig, a sequel would require another emotionally engaging arc for the character, and he is hesitant to simply repeat the plot of the first film.

Feig acknowledged that a sequel could be fun, but expressed concern about capturing the magic of the original. He suggested that a sequel would need to find a way to create an emotional connection with the audience, rather than relying solely on comedic set pieces and hijinks. He pointed out that the success of the first film hinged on the audience's investment in Annie's journey of self-healing and that a sequel would need to offer something new and compelling.

Feig's comments highlight the challenges of creating a satisfying sequel and the importance of finding a balance between comedy and emotional engagement. While a "Bridesmaids 2" could certainly be entertaining, Feig believes that it would require a strong narrative arc to truly resonate with audiences.

Despite Feig's reservations, some of the cast members have expressed interest in a potential sequel. Melissa McCarthy, who played Megan Price in the film, told People in 2023 that she would be on board if the original writers, Wiig and Mumolo, were involved. Similarly, Rose Byrne, who portrayed Helen Harris III, told Parade in 2023 that she would be open to a sequel if all the original cast members returned.

However, Wiig herself has poured cold water on the idea of a sequel. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she stated that she was "decidedly uninterested" in a follow-up to the 2011 comedy. Wiig, who co-wrote the screenplay and played the lead role of Annie, said, "That story had an end, and it's so beloved to me... I think it's OK to just have it exist in the world as it is."

A sequel would have to be more than a funny wedding

While there is no "Bridesmaids 2" film, there has been speculation about a potential sequel. However, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Kristen Wiig, who co-wrote the screenplay and played Annie Walker, is "decidedly uninterested" in a follow-up. In an interview, Wiig expressed her sentiment that the story had concluded and held a special place in her heart.

Despite Wiig's stance, her former co-star Melissa McCarthy has expressed interest in a second movie. McCarthy stated that she would be on board even if the cast were "all in their nineties." Similarly, Rose Byrne, another co-star, shared her enthusiasm for a reunion, saying that she would "absolutely" make a sequel if all the other actresses were in.

Director Paul Feig has offered insights into the challenges of creating a worthy sequel. He acknowledged that while people often clamor for a "Bridesmaids" sequel, the success of the original film was rooted in more than just its comedic moments. Feig emphasized the importance of the emotional journey of Wiig's character, who experienced a crash in confidence and had to repair her life. He suggested that a sequel would need to offer something more than just a funny wedding.

To create a compelling "Bridesmaids 2," the story would have to evolve beyond the formula of the first film. It would need to explore fresh emotional depths and provide a meaningful narrative arc for the characters. Simply relying on the premise of a zany wedding and hijinks might not be sufficient to create a great movie.

While fans may yearn for a sequel, the creative team behind "Bridesmaids" understands the importance of preserving the integrity of the original story and avoiding the pitfalls of a forced or repetitive narrative.

The original film was nominated for two Oscars

The original Bridesmaids film was released in 2011 and was nominated for two Oscars in 2012. The film was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Melissa McCarthy's performance as Megan Price, the raunchy and foul-mouthed but friendly sister of the groom. It was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay, as the script was written by the film's co-stars Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig, who played the nervous woman on the plane and Annie Walker, respectively.

The film was also nominated for and won a variety of other awards, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, a BAFTA Film Award for Best Supporting Actress, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role. In total, the film received 72 nominations and won 25 awards.

Despite the film's success, there are currently no plans for a sequel. Producer Judd Apatow stated that the key to a potential sequel would be coming up with an idea that is "as good or better than the first one." Director Paul Feig also expressed doubt about a sequel, saying that it would be challenging to recreate the emotional engagement of the first film and that it would likely just be "a funny wedding."

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