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Netflix has rounded out the core cast of its upcoming comedy The Fifth Wheel, adding Nikki Glaser, Brenda Song and Fortune Feimster to star alongside Kim Kardashian. Eva Longoria is directing the film from a script by Paula Pell and Janine Brito. Kardashian and Pell are producing with Jessica Elbaum, Will Ferrell and Alex Brown through the Gloria Sanchez banner, along with Cris Abrego and Longoria through Hyphenate Media Group. The project has been on a fast track since Netflix secured it in a competitive bidding war over Thanksgiving weekend in 2023.
The story centers on a tight group of friends from high school who have drifted into adulthood with more unresolved issues than they care to admit. Hoping to rekindle what they once had, they head to Las Vegas for a weekend escape. Their plans begin to fall apart when a glamorous outsider played by Kardashian crashes the trip. Her arrival forces everyone to confront their strained friendships, questionable choices and the truth about where their lives have landed. Mary Bundy and David Hyman are serving as executive producers.
Industry insiders have been talking about the script since the moment it began circulating. Buyers involved in the 2023 auction described it as one of the sharpest and most consistently funny comedy scripts they had seen in years. That reputation and Pell’s long track record with character driven comedy helped push the project to the front of Netflix’s slate soon after the streamer closed the deal.
The cast brings a mix of comedy experience and current momentum. Glaser has been in high demand following her breakout performance during the Tom Brady Roast on Netflix. She is also developing a new comedy at Universal with Judd Apatow producing. Song continues her run on the platform after appearing with Kate Hudson in the Netflix sports comedy Running Point. She also had a recent role in The Last Showgirl with Pamela Anderson. Feimster brings both action and animation credits following her work in the Netflix series Fubar with Arnold Schwarzenegger and her voice role in Zootopia 2.
Glaser is represented by UTA and Brillstein Entertainment Partners. Song is represented by CAA and Brookside Management. Feimster is represented by UTA and Levity Entertainment Group. With an ensemble of seasoned comedians and a script already known for its bite, The Fifth Wheel is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most anticipated comedy releases.
