Kristen Wiig to direct first film, written with ‘Bridesmaids’ partner

Kristen Wiig is set to make her directorial debut on a buddy comedy that will reunite her with her “Bridesmaids” co-writer, Annie Mumolo.

The New York Times first reported the news that the duo will write, produce and star in a now-untitled movie for TriStar Productions, which described it as the story of “best friends who find themselves in over their heads and out of their depths, which were, perhaps, not too deep to begin with.”

“We’re very excited to be writing,” Wiig and Mumolo said in a statement. “We will be going into a cave for months to finish. An actual cave. We found one that’s nice and big. We’re putting a couch in there.”

Wiig added, “I’ve been wanting to direct for some time now. This seems like the perfect first project.”

Wiig and Mumolo earned an Oscar nomination for their original screenplay for the 2011 raunchy comedy “Bridesmaids,” a breakout hit that was made for $32 million and went on to gross $288 million at the worldwide box office.

It was also credited with demonstrating that female-driven comedies could have mainstream appeal, thus blazing a trail for movies like “The Heat,” “Pitch Perfect” and “The To Do List.”

Regarding the dearth of female filmmakers in Hollywood, TriStar chief Thomas E. Rothman told the New York Times, “Everybody talks about it needing to change, but Kristen actually wants to do something about it.”

On screen, Wiig, a former “Saturday Night Live” star known for her comedic chops, has recently tried her hand at more dramatic fare in films such as “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” “Hateship, Loveship” and the upcoming “The Skeleton Twins.”

Mumolo’s acting credits include “This Is 40,” “Afternoon Delight” and the NBC series “About a Boy.” She also wrote the screenplay for “Joy,” an upcoming biopic about the inventor of the Miracle Mop; David O. Russell is directing the film, with Jennifer Lawrence attached to star.

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