Kim Kardashian’s Netflix Comedy Faces Bridesmaids Comparisons—But Is It Fair?
Kim Kardashian’s new Netflix film, The Fifth Wheel, is already drawing comparisons to Bridesmaids. But does this comedy really follow in the footsteps of Melissa McCarthy’s hit, or is it carving out its own path? Discover what sets these two movies apart.
Netflix has pulled back the curtain on its latest comedy, The Fifth Wheel, with Kim Kardashian stepping into the spotlight. The announcement immediately set off a wave of comparisons to the 2011 comedy Bridesmaids, which earned Melissa McCarthy an Oscar nomination and became a cultural touchstone for ensemble comedies. Despite the buzz, the two films take very different approaches, both in story and in tone.
Different Stories, Shared Vibes
While both movies center on groups of women navigating chaotic situations, their plots diverge sharply. Bridesmaids, directed by Paul Feig, follows Annie Walker as her life spirals after being asked to be her best friend’s bridesmaid. In contrast, The Fifth Wheel focuses on a group of high school friends reuniting for a weekend getaway, only to have their plans upended when an outsider joins the trip. Kardashian herself has described the film as a blend of several iconic comedies, saying,
It ’s like Hangover, Bridesmaids, First Wives Club,
during an episode of her reality show.
Star Power and Creative Team
With Kardashian leading the cast, The Fifth Wheel also features Nikki Glaser, Brenda Song, and Fortune Feimster. Eva Longoria is set to direct, while Paula Pell and Janine Brito penned the script. Kardashian, who is also producing, continues to expand her acting resume following her roles in American Horror Story: Delicate and Hulu ’s All’s Fair.
The film’s synopsis teases a wild Vegas weekend where old friends are forced to confront their messy lives and unraveling relationships when Kardashian’s character crashes their plans. The project is a collaboration between Gloria Sanchez Productions, Hyphenate Media Group, and Netflix.
Kardashian’s Hollywood Ambitions
After her recent acting projects, Kardashian has opened up about her long-term goals in the industry. On her reality show, she revealed,
I can do a movie a year. I’ve got about 10 years where I still look good, so that’s all I’ve got in me, and then I’ll take some time off — Every year I want to do something that makes me so uncomfortable that I really have to challenge myself.
She admitted to feeling both excited and nervous about her rapid rise in Hollywood, especially after her performance in American Horror Story drew unexpected attention from agents and studios. Kardashian also shared her surprise at the overwhelming interest in The Fifth Wheel from major studios, saying,
We literally spent a day, we went to all the studios, and everyone called within, like, 20 minutes with offers.
She ultimately signed with Netflix, marking another milestone in her evolving career.
Ensemble Cast and Production Details
The movie’s ensemble includes standouts from the comedy world, with Kardashian at the center. Eva Longoria’s direction and the writing duo of Pell and Brito promise a fresh take on the genre. The film is produced by Gloria Sanchez Productions and Hyphenate Media Group, with Netflix distributing. The cast list features Fortune Feimster, Brenda Song, and Nikki Glaser alongside Kardashian.
As anticipation builds, fans are eager to see how Kardashian’s latest project will stack up against the legacy of Bridesmaids and other beloved comedies.