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After the success of Bridesmaids in 2011, rumors circulated that stars Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph could reunite for a sequel. Alas, Wiig — who also co-wrote the movie — decided against it. But now she has another potential franchise on her hands with Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. Even co-star Jamie Dornan of Fifty Shades of Grey wants to return for more.

Jamie Dornan stops by AT&T On Location during Toronto International Film Festival 2019 | Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for AT&T
Jamie Dornan stops by AT&T On Location during Toronto International Film Festival 2019 | Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for AT&T

‘Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar’ is the critically beloved new comedy

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar missed out on a theatrical release. The movie was originally slated for July 2020, at which point it could have been one of the summer’s biggest comedies. Instead, Lionsgate released the movie on premium video-on-demand services on Feb. 12, 2021 to a mostly positive critical reception.

Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar stars Wiig and her Bridesmaids co-writer Annie Mumolo as two Midwestern women who take a vacation at a Florida resort. Along the way, they meet Edgar (Dornan) and get caught up in a dangerous adventure that tests their friendship. Thankfully for fans of its wacky humor and genuine heart, the movie could inspire a sequel.

Jamie Dornan wants to reteam with Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo

Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar could be the first in an ongoing series of adventures for Wiig and Mumolo’s characters. And if such a franchise were to grow from the movie, Dornan has already made it clear he definitely wants in, he told Variety.

“I was hopeful that they weren’t gonna just turn and kill Edgar at some point towards the end. Because I was like, if this hits and people like it, there’s an appetite… We all had a bit of fun one day, coming up with destinations for them to go after. So listen, if they want to go again, and they want me to be involved, it would be the easiest yes of my life.”

Dornan is, of course, best known for playing Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. So his standout comedic performance in Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar might come as a surprise to audiences. But the actor revealed he’s been hoping to exercise his funny bone.

“I just wouldn’t have been considered for comedies … All my slate is very dramatic and very dark. … But there’s this other side of me that has always wanted to release a version of myself and let something go out of myself that is probably closer to me. … If you’re gonna do your first comedy, just make sure you do it with Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo. That’s just the dream team to find myself with. I feel like a very lucky, lucky boy and I’d love to do more of it.”

So Dornan is up to reunite with Barb and Star for a sequel. But could it actually happen?

Fans might have a while to wait for a ‘Barb and Star’ sequel if it happens

It’s unclear whether Barb and Star 2 is even something Wiig and Mumolo would want to do. The movie’s unconventional release likely didn’t help matters on the studio’s end. After all, it’s even harder now to discern when or if the movie turns a profit.

Deadline recently reported Wiig and Mumolo will tackle a new Disney movie about Cinderella’s stepsisters. Perhaps if that’s a hit, it will give the duo the boost they need to make Barb and Star 2. Comedy sequels can be tricky, but there’s a ton of potential for Barb and Star to lead a franchise.

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