Universal

With Bridesmaids ending 2011 as one of the best-performing comedies of 2011, producer Universal Studios is eager to strike while the iron is hot with a sequel. Despite an "8 figure payday" that was "dangled" before star and co-writer Kristen Wiig by the head of the studio itself, The Hollywood Reporter says Wiig isn't interested and isn't budging. Instead, she and co-writer Annie Mumolo are concentrating on other projects.

Whether Wiig's reluctance is a negotiation strategy remains to be seen, but in case it's not, the trade paper reports the studio is willing to move forward without her and give  Bridesmaids co-star Melissa McCarthy, an Emmy winner for Mike & Molly, the lead.  A studio rep tells the Hollywood Reporter that although they're, "over the moon with the success of Bridesmaids," Universal is also willing to "move forward" without Wiig if the right concept emerges from meetings with filmmakers.