As 2015 came to an end, I was busy working and didn’t have the time to write our annual “A Year in Review” post. So I’m doing a different thing instead, looking forward to what’s next for our favorite Kristen Wiig. Big thanks to my friend Lindsey for the idea. It will be hard to top the fantastic year Wiig had in 2015 – Welcome to Me, The Spoils Before Dying, Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, A Deadly Adoption, The Diary of a Teenage Girl, Nasty Baby and The Martian were all released – solidifying her as one of the most talented and versatile actresses working today. The coming year will bring some high-profile comedic projects to the screen, so continue reading for the things we can’t wait for in 2016.
First Up: Kristen Wiig received a nomination for her portrayal of Delores DeWinter at the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. She’s nominated in “Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries”, alongside Nicole Kidman (Grace of Monaco), Queen Latifah (Bessie), Christina Ricci (The Lizzie Borden Chronicles) and Susan Sarandon (The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe). The winners will be given their trophies at the ceremony on January 30, on TNT and TBS. Since she’s a nominee, Kristen will likely attend the event, and we will provide you with coverage from the show. Now, onto the movies scheduled for release this coming year!
Zoolander 2
When: In theaters February 12.
What: The long-awaited sequel to the 2001 comedy is finally here. This time, Derek and Hansel are modelling again when an opposing company attempts to take them out from the business. The original cast is back, joined by Kristen Wiig, Penelope Cruz and many, many, many more.
Why: Have you seen the trailers? They should be enough reasons to know why we’re so excited to see the film. Kristen Wiig looks absolutely absurd (and nothing like herself) as Alexanya Atoz, and judging by the short clips featured in the trailers, her character seems to be crazy fun.
Ghostbusters
When: In theaters July 15.
What: A reimagining of the classic film, this time with a paranormal activity on the rise, a Columbia University academic, her ghost-chasing friend, the friend’s business partner, and an MTA employee join forces to bust ghosts and save New York.
Why: Kristen Wiig. Melissa McCarthy. Kate McKinnon. Leslie Jones. Paul Feig. The fact that Kristen is teaming up with Bridesmaids director Feig again is reason enough to buy a ticket. And alongside the other talented actresses – even better! Kristen is back in a leading role in a (very) high profile comedy, something a lot of fans worldwide have been waiting for. We don’t know much about the plot yet, but with a trailer coming soon, we couldn’t be more excited.
Sausage Party
When: In theaters August 12.
What: A raunchy animated movie about one sausage’s quest to discover the truth about his existence. After falling out of a shopping cart, our hero sausage and his new friends embark on a perilous journey through the supermarket to get back to their aisles before the 4th of July sale. Featuring the voices of Seth Rogen, James Franco, Kristen Wiig, Salma Hayek, Jonah Hill, Paul Rudd, Edward Norton, Bill Hader, and more.
Why: The premise for this film sounds ridiculous, and it has a ridiculously funny cast to boot. Based on the previous films by this gang, it’s quite safe to say its aimed at the adult audience. Hopefully they will embrace it for the silly fun movie it is. Either way, we’re pretty sure Kristen will steal every scene she’s in.
Masterminds
When: In theaters September 30.
What: A night guard at an armored car company in the Southern U.S. organizes one of the biggest bank heists in American history. The film was supposed to release in the summer of 2015, but due to the financial problems of distributor Relativity, was delayed.
Why: Kristen Wiig and Zach Galifianakis in the same film. Based on the trailer, it looks outrageous and funny. The supporting cast of Owen Wilson, Jason Sudekis and Kate McKinnon should add some laughs as well. After the disappointing news of the delay last year, fans will hopefully remember to go see the movie in September instead.
What More?
Since all the aforementioned projects are done filming, who knows what’s next for Kristen? She has been talking about directing her first feature from a script by herself and Annie Mumolo (the masterminds behind Bridesmaids). If so, look for an announcement of the project from a studio soon. Kristen is also set to reprise her voice role for Ruffnut in How to Train Your Dragon 3, which is coming out in 2017. Perhaps she’ll take some well-deserved time off in-between the PR-tours for the many projects in the pipeline this year? Whatever happens, know that KristenWiig.org will be there all the way.
What movie are you the most excited to see this year? Let us know!
