Universal Considering 'Bridesmaids' Follow-up Without Kristen Wiig

By Kim Masters and Matthew Belloni The month of the month of january 5, 2012 By every measure, "Bridesmaids" would be a uniform story of 2011. The ensemble comedy, produced for approximately $32 million, made $288 million worldwide for hit-hungry Universal, made film stars from Kristen Wiig and Melissa McCarthy, and showed up Golden Globe, SAG and PGA nominations, positioning it a best-picture Oscar contender.The mystery is why Universal makes so little progress on beginning a "Bridesmaids 2" -- and why the star in the film is decreasing to carry out a reprise. "Nobody is concentrating on that," Wiig, who co-written the film with Annie Mumolo, notifies "The Hollywood Reporter." "Annie which i aren't arranging a follow-up. We are writing another factor.Inch1 factor may be that something went awry between Wiig and Universal. Sources condition that the couple of from the six principal cast people (Wiig, McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Betty Kemper) were deflated while using $100,000 bonus each received -- the sum struck some as low due to the film's outsized success. Asked for by "THR" whether she was upset with the amount, Wiig declined comment.With Wiig recoiling, Universal chief Ron Meyer needed her to dinner in NY to find out whether he could change her mind. He likely dangled an eight-figure payday before her, nevertheless the 38-year-old star held firm.Rather, she's attacked smaller sized dramas: Furthermore for the Mumolo project, the "Saturday Evening Live" actress next appears inside the March dramedy "Pals With Kids" stars opposite Annette Bening inside the indie "Imogene," which she's also creating which summer season expects to shoot the drama "The Comedian" opposite Robert DeNiro for director Sean Penn. She's also adapting the dramatic novel "Clown Girl," which she hopes to direct.Universal sources the studio want to pursue another "Bridesmaids" without Wiig. "We are inside the moon using the wealth of 'Bridesmaids,' so when we execute a follow-up you need to comprehend it correctly,Inch a Universal repetition notifies "THR." "We are talking with filmmakers now about concepts, so when the most appropriate one emerges, we'll proceed.In . The studio repetition declines to elaborate which elements it could deem essential -- whether, for example, original director Paul Feig might be involved -- but Universal is dependant on McCarthy just like a key player to acquire a follow-up moving. Among the projects the Emmy-winning actress has attached herself to might be the Universal comedy "ID Robbery" with Jason Bateman, and sources say other projects are brewing. Universal has proven a readiness to move ahead around the large franchise without any original stars. The studio is at production on "Bourne Legacy," a fourth "Bourne" film nevertheless the first without Matt Damon. The "Fast & Furious" franchise has experienced numerous cast comings-and-goings, with April's "Fast Five" creating a franchise-best $626 million worldwide.But it's not apparent that producer Judd Apatow, who acquired the finest hit of his career with "Bridesmaids," is evenly reconciled to the idea of proceeding getting another team. "The end result is we should create a concept that's pretty much as good or a lot better than the very first,In . Apatow notifies "THR" in the statement. "We do not wish to make it happen unless of course obviously it might be great. I don't think anybody has received your brain space to think about it yet. Hopefully that could begin this year.InchHe declines to cope with talent questions, but an origin near the situation states, "I don't think [Judd] would proceed without Kristen and Annie's full participation."In case your Wiig-less concept gains traction (or she'll be convinced to return), Universal might have a very low-budget, high-return franchise round the order of Warner Bros.' "The Hangover" or Paramount's "Paranormal Activity." Nevertheless it needed only couple of years for Warners to acquire another "Hangover," together with another is within the works. "Bridesmaids 2," however, seems destined for just about any extended stand in the altar. Borys Package brought with this report. The Hollywood Reporter