Far be it from us to question Hollywood wisdom, as we can easily see why Fox executives want more from “The Heat.” The summer comedy was a smash hit at home, taking in over $155 million on its way to $229 million worldwide. And while there was some talk of a sequel, Sandra Bullock has been wary. Earlier this year she said she “can’t imagine” doing a followup, point to her history of less that satisfying sequels (“Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous” and “Speed 2: Cruise Control,” need we say more) as the reason for her reticence. But we guess it always pays to have a Plan B, and Paul Feig has one.
The director is now developing a spinoff that will focus on Beth And Gina, played by Jamie Denbo and Jessica Chaffin, who were part of Melissa McCarthy‘s character’s family in the film. Denbo, Chaffin and Feig have worked together before, with the filmmaker producing their mock talkshow “Ronna & Beverly” for British TV, which the actresses wrote and starred in. So clearly, they’re all pals, but does anyone really want this movie at all? Side characters in small doses don’t always succeed when they get the spotlight shone on them. But then again, this movie probably isn’t getting greenlit unless it can be made for a dime or simply because no one knows who Denbo and Chaffin are. We just don’t see a studio rolling the dice unless they think they can make their money back with ease.
Anyway, we’ll see what happens. Deadline says this project doesn’t “preclude the possibility of a sequel to ‘The Heat’ ” but unless someone can convince Bullock, that seems like an even longer shot.
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