Picture this: Iconic Hollywood actresses relentlessly battling a major studio for years to revive a beloved film, only to face repeated rejection – and now, with one star tragically gone, the fight feels more poignant than ever. This is the heart-wrenching saga of The First Wives Club sequel that Bette Midler just exposed on Watch What Happens Live.
But here's where it gets controversial... Bette Midler, alongside Goldie Hawn and the late Diane Keaton, poured countless hours into lobbying Paramount for a follow-up to the 1996 hit comedy The First Wives Club. For those new to the story, the original film is a hilarious take on three divorced women who team up to seek revenge on their ex-husbands, starring Midler, Hawn, and Keaton in unforgettable roles. It's a cult classic for its sharp wit, empowering themes, and stellar performances, nominated for an Oscar for its musical score. The trio's chemistry was electric, making it a no-brainer for a sequel, right? Well, apparently not.
On the October 16 episode of Watch What Happens Live, Midler opened up about their exhaustive efforts. 'We persisted nonstop,' she shared, describing how they collaborated as a group, then individually approached producers and executives. They even enlisted outside help, bringing in fresh talent to pitch ideas. Yet, Paramount remained steadfast in their refusal. 'They simply weren't interested,' Midler recounted, adding that it left them feeling deeply hurt. Imagine investing your passion and legacy into a project, only to hit a wall – it's the kind of studio stubbornness that fans often rage against. And this is the part most people miss: Was Paramount's resistance purely financial, or did internal politics play a role? Some might argue studios like Paramount prioritize blockbuster franchises over beloved comedies, potentially overlooking untapped revenue from nostalgic reboots. Others could see it as a missed opportunity for inclusivity, ignoring the voices of the original creators.
Midler's revelation comes just days after Keaton's family shared the devastating news of her passing from pneumonia at age 79. Midler expressed profound admiration for her co-star. 'I've always cherished her,' she said, highlighting Keaton's unparalleled uniqueness – her distinctive style, her authentic self, and her irreplaceable talent. 'I attempted to mimic her mannerisms at home, but it was impossible,' Midler admitted. 'No one captured that genuine essence like she did.' It's a touching tribute that reminds us of Keaton's extraordinary spirit, which lit up screens and inspired countless admirers. For beginners curious about her legacy, think of Keaton as the queen of quirky charm in films like Something's Gotta Give or The Godfather Part II – she brought depth to comedy and drama alike.
Reflecting on their time filming The First Wives Club, Midler beamed about the joy it brought. 'That shoot was pure delight,' she recalled. 'Goldie and Diane had me rolling on the floor with laughter daily. It was the most entertaining experience of my career.' The film's lack of a sequel feels like a lost chance to recapture that magic, especially compared to how Disney eventually caved for Hocus Pocus 2 in 2022 after a 29-year wait. Midler noted how the Hocus Pocus cast lobbied relentlessly, waving sales figures to make their case. 'It worked for them – why not for us?' she seemed to wonder.
As for Hocus Pocus 3, Midler offered a tantalizing update. 'They delivered a script with some brilliant elements that got me thrilled,' she told the audience. 'Now, we're ironing out the details – what the story entails, the setting, the budget, and all those behind-the-scenes logistics.' It's exciting news for fans, proving that persistence can pay off, even if it takes decades.
Watch What Happens Live airs Sundays through Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo, with new episodes streaming the following day on Peacock.
What do you think – was Paramount wrong to deny the First Wives Club sequel, or do studios have valid reasons for saying no to reboots? Could Keaton's passing change things for future projects? And here's a controversial twist: Should artists have more control over sequels to their own hits, even if it means clashing with corporate decisions? Share your opinions in the comments – I'd love to hear if you agree or disagree!
