Comedian and actress Kristen Wiig, best known for co-writing and starring in Bridesmaids (2011), recently revealed that she initially believed the raunchy comedy was a box-office failure. Speaking on Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang, Wiig said she thought the film had underperformed after its modest opening weekend. Despite early doubts, Bridesmaids went on to gross over $288 million worldwide, earning Oscar nominations and solidifying its place as one of the most influential female-led comedies of the 21st century.
What Happened and Why Wiig Was Concerned
When Bridesmaids debuted in 2011, it opened in second place behind Marvel’s Thor, bringing in around $26 million against a $32.5 million budget. According to Wiig, studio executives at Universal were less than optimistic.
“After opening weekend, they were like, ‘Well, we tried,’” Wiig told Poehler, adding that the studio expected a stronger debut to consider the film a success.
However, Bridesmaids gained momentum through strong word-of-mouth and positive audience reactions, eventually surpassing expectations and becoming the highest-grossing Judd Apatow–produced film, beating Knocked Up (2007).
Director Paul Feig Shared the Same Doubts
Director Paul Feig admitted during a SXSW 2025 panel (as reported by Variety) that he, too, was worried the film might underperform.
“I was like, ‘F***! Don’t put that on me. Am I gonna ruin movies for women?’” Feig said, referring to the immense industry pressure placed on Bridesmaids to prove the commercial viability of female-driven comedies.
Feig added that the studio was skeptical right up to release day: “We were told, ‘You have to make $20 million on opening weekend, or you’ll be considered a failure.’” A poor midnight test screening only deepened fears, but the film’s long-term box office success silenced all doubts.
Redefining Women-Led Comedy
The triumph of Bridesmaids reshaped Hollywood’s approach to female ensembles. The film not only elevated Kristen Wiig’s career but also catapulted Melissa McCarthy to stardom, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Critics hailed the film as a landmark in modern comedy, breaking industry stereotypes and paving the way for later female-led hits like Girls Trip and Booksmart.
Wiig reflected on the experience in a 2024 Hollywood Reporter interview, saying, “People get scared. What’s wrong with having a big female cast? Why is that scary?”
No Sequel Planned for ‘Bridesmaids’
Despite fans’ hopes, Wiig confirmed that a sequel isn’t being considered. “That story had an end,” she said. “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.”
Wiig and co-writer Annie Mumolo reunited in 2020 for Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, another quirky comedy that earned cult acclaim. Meanwhile, Bridesmaids continues to attract new audiences on Netflix, proving that genuine storytelling and humor stand the test of time.
