Universal Considers Making 'Bridesmaids 2' Without Kristen Wiig -- Should They Do It?

Bridesmaids was one of the biggest box-office surprises of 2011 – raking in over $288 million worth of ticket sales and making a bonafide star of Kristen Wiig. Universal has wanted to launch a sequel since the first returns started rolling in – but so far, Bridesmaids 2 is stuck standing at the altar.

What’s the hold up? It seems star Kirsten Wiig is reluctant to return to the role that made her something of a household name. The reasons for her standoffishness are one of Hollywood’s greatest recent mysteries. Wiig tells THR that “we aren’t working on that. Annie (writer Annie Mumolo) and I aren’t planning a sequel. We are writing something else.” So, what happened?

No one can say definitively, but there is some speculation that Wiig was offended by the $100,000 bonus she received after the film became a hit. Given that Bridesmaids has earned almost $300 million to date, that is a fairly low number. However, we can’t shake the feeling that it’s about something other than money with Wiig. She’s declined to comment one way or the other when asked if the bonus was part of her reasoning, but it doesn’t seem like enough of an issue to keep the actress from returning for a sequel.

Whatever the reason is, Universal has made it clear that they intend to do another Bridesmaids with or without Wiig.

A Universal rep tells THR “We are over the moon with the success of Bridesmaids, and if we do a sequel we want to get it right. We are talking to filmmakers now about concepts, and if the right one emerges, we'll move forward." The studio hasn’t said whether they would seek the return of director Paul Feig, but it does seem as though they plan to build around Melissa McCarthy’s character should Wiig continue to hold out.

Unfortunately for the studio, things are delicate – not only with Wiig, but also producer Judd Apatow. Apatow doesn’t rule out the possibility of a Wiig-less sequel, but does say this: “The key is we have to come up with an idea that is as good or better than the first one. We don't want to do it unless it can be great. I don't think anyone has had the brain space to think about it yet. Hopefully that can begin this year."

While we may not ever know why Wiig is so hesitant to return to Bridesmaids, we get the feeling that Universal will be making a sequel without her – if they make one at all. Since it seems unlikely that Wiig or writer Annie Mumolo hop onboard for a second go round, we have to wonder if there’s even a point in making a sequel. What do you think? Would you want a Wiig-less Bridesmaids 2 or should the original stand as the only entry in this potential series? Share your thoughts below.

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Tags: Judd Apatow, Bridesmaids, Kristen Wiig