Director Paul Feig recently opened up about the monumental pressure he experienced prior to the premiere of his critically acclaimed film “Bridesmaids,” which became a pivotal work in comedy, particularly regarding female representation. At the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Austin, Texas, Feig discussed the significance of “Bridesmaids,” especially when he found himself amidst expectations that seemed to hang over the success of female-led comedies for years to come.
One of the most striking comments Feig made during his talk was about the impact “Bridesmaids” had on his peers, particularly female writers. Feig recalled that many of his friends who were writers were pitching their own female-driven comedic narratives but were met with an ultimatum from studios: they needed to wait for the outcome of “Bridesmaids” before decisions could be made. To quote him, he expressed his trepidation at the thought of being responsible for whether or not female-led films would be given a fair chance. The pressure was immense, leaving him with the startling notion that he could potentially “ruin movies for women.”
Feig’s anecdote starkly contrasted with the experience of male-led comedies, drawing a comparison to the massive success of “The Hangover.” He noted that the industry did not slow down on producing male-centric films due to their performances, emphasizing a certain double standard in the treatment of male and female-led projects within Hollywood. This comparison highlighted the rampant gender bias that can influence which stories are deemed worthy of being told on screen. Thankfully, “Bridesmaids” exceeded expectations, paving the way for more stories centered around female experiences.
The film boasted a stellar cast featuring Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Melissa McCarthy, and Rose Byrne, and it not only gained critical acclaim but also garnered two Oscar nominations: Best Supporting Actress for McCarthy and Best Original Screenplay for Wiig and Annie Mumolo. Furthermore, “Bridesmaids” achieved a remarkable box office success, grossing nearly $300 million worldwide, a feat that seemed nearly impossible leading up to its release. The journey to this triumph, however, was fraught with uncertainty and anxiety.
Scarcely leading up to its release, Feig recounted how film industry insiders predicted doom, suggesting the film might only make about $13 million on opening night—a result that would be considered a disaster. He described walking around, haunted by the thought that his work could jeopardize the popularity of female-fronted comedies for the foreseeable future. He was on edge, deeply affected by these predictions and the stress of having his film examined under such a microscope.
When the actual success of “Bridesmaids” began to materialize, it was marked by a heartwarming moment shared with co-stars and friends. Feig recounted having dinner with Melissa McCarthy and her husband Ben Falcone when their phones suddenly began buzzing with encouraging news. The numbers of box office earnings soared above the anticipated figures, producing a palpable excitement among the group. The excitement led them to make their way to the ArcLight Cinema in Los Angeles, where they witnessed the overwhelming turnout of fans eager to watch “Bridesmaids.” For Feig and his friends, this moment marked a turning point, one filled with overwhelming joy that would forever be etched in their memories.
In retrospect, Feig’s reflections resonate deeply not only as an account of personal anxiety but also as a commentary on the broader cultural shifts occurring regarding female representation in Hollywood. “Bridesmaids” ultimately carved out a space for women’s stories, redefining genres, and highlighting the need for diverse narratives. The success of the film demonstrated that there is indeed an audience for these narratives, and how crucial it is to support female voices in the film industry.