Get the latest gossip

‘Bridesmaids’ Director Paul Feig Was Told Film Would Flop and Prevent Female-Led Comedies From Being Made: ‘Am I Gonna Ruin Movies for Women?’


At SXSW, Paul Feig recalls being told studios wouldn't greenlight female-led comedies until seeing how 'Bridesmaids' performed at the box office.

Speaking on a panel at SXSW the night after the premiere of his new film “Another Simple Favor,” he shared that in the lead-up to the release of “Bridesmaids,” he was told his success or failure could have a significant impact on how women’s ideas would be treated in the industry moving forward. Though Feig was the director, the film was otherwise led by women: Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo wrote the screenplay and appeared in it alongside Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper and Melissa McCarthy. “So many female writer friends of mine were going out and pitching female-led comedies, and they all heard from the studios: ‘We have to wait and see how ‘Bridesmaids’ does,'” Feig said.

Get the Android app

Or read this on Variety

Read more on:

Photo of Paul Feig

Paul Feig

Related news:

News photo

How Blake Lively Feels About Another Simple Favor Director Paul Feig

News photo

‘Another Simple Favor’ Review: Blake Lively & Anna Kendrick Reunite In Paul Feig’s Italian Murder Mystery Sequel — SXSW

News photo

‘Another Simple Favor’ Director Paul Feig on Reuniting With Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively and Plans for a Third Movie: ‘There’s More Fun Stuff to Be Done With These Characters’