The highly anticipated Netflix film, "The Fifth Wheel," a collaborative effort from Kim Kardashian and screenwriting maven Paula Pell, is experiencing a surge of star wattage as insiders reveal to Deadline that acclaimed director Eva Longoria has signed on to helm the comedy, with Gloria Sanchez Productions joining forces as producers. Kardashian will take center stage based on a script penned by Pell and Janine Brito, while Kardashian and Pell will co-produce alongside Jessica Elbaum and comedy legend Will Ferrell under their Gloria Sanchez banner, along with Cris Abrego and Longoria's Hyphenate Media Group.
While the plot remains shrouded in secrecy, whispers from within the industry suggest that Kardashian will embody the title role of "the fifth wheel" amidst an ensemble cast of formidable female talents. Since the streaming giant acquired the package during a fiercely competitive auction over the Thanksgiving weekend in 2023, this project has been prioritized. Buyers who participated in the auction heralded the script as one of the funniest in recent memory, a testament to Pell's proven track record.
Gloria Sanchez's involvement lent further credibility to the venture. The production house boasts an impressive roster of beloved comedies such as "Booksmart" and "Theater Camp," along with films showcasing powerful female leads both in front of and behind the camera.
Once Gloria Sanchez entered the fray, the search for a director commenced, with a particular emphasis on finding a female director to breathe life into the narrative. After a series of meetings, Longoria emerged as the ideal candidate following her impressive directorial debut with the Searchlight Pictures biopic "Flamin' Hot," which premiered at SXSW 2023, winning the audience award and earning Longoria widespread acclaim for her directorial prowess.
While "Flamin' Hot" leaned more towards the dramatic realm, it also interspersed moments of humor and heart, becoming a pivotal selling point for "The Fifth Wheel." As for Kardashian, her acting slate is far from empty, as the trailer for her upcoming Hulu series "All's Fair" recently garnered a significant response.
Longoria is represented by WME, Linden Entertainment, and Yorn Levine, while Kardashian, Pell, and Brito are all represented by WME. Kardashian is also advised by Cooley LLP, Pell by Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman, LLP, and Brito by Cohen & Gardner.
