Justin Bettman / Treadway / Brito
EXCLUSIVE: Five bidders, including theatrical distributors and streamers, engaged in a competitive week-long bidding war for the female-driven comedy package, The Fifth Wheel, starring Kim Kardashian. The winning offer came from Netflix, as the number of bids was reduced to three following Thanksgiving, securing their involvement with co-writers Paula Pell and Janine Brito.
Pell, who will produce alongside Kardashian, revealed that the reality star took an unusually hands-on role in selling the comedic project, spearheading the pitch meetings. As a result, several studios are eager to collaborate with Kardashian on this venture.
The plot details for the film remain a secret, but Kardashian is set to portray the leading role, known as the “fifth wheel,” alongside an ensemble female cast.
The package’s rapid development is unprecedented, considering that such deals typically take months to come to fruition. From its inception by Pell and Brito to its swift pitch to Kardashian following the resolution of the strike, the project now holds the distinction of being the first major sale before 2023 comes to a close.
As a producer, Kardashian will play a pivotal role in the marketing efforts, leveraging her branding and ad agency to drive success, much like she has done with her other projects such as SKIMS and her fashion line. This aspect of her involvement is anticipated to enhance the project’s reach and impact.
Netflix’s mid-budget film team, headed by Niija Kuykendall, secured the acquisition. The addition of The Fifth Wheel to Netflix’s slate reinforces the network’s commitment to delivering high-quality, star-studded content, as evidenced by other upcoming mid-budget films involving A-list actors.
Market analysts observed that the sale is notable not only for its pre-Thanksgiving impetus but also as the first major deal post the SAG-AFTRA strike settlement. The fierce bidding war stands as a testament to the enduring enthusiasm and viability of such high-profile projects at the year’s end.
Kardashian’s foray into feature films marks a significant progression from her limited work, representing a strategic diversification from her successful television endeavors. Pell and Brito’s involvement further enrich the creative talent behind the project, ensuring a compelling and entertaining final product.
The collaboration between Kardashian, Pell, and Brito underlines their strong representation with WME, with individual legal counsel ensuring the project’s fair and successful realization.
