Though there has been talk of a follow-up to cop comedy The Heat, especially from director Paul Feig, forward motion has apparently been slowed by Sandra Bullock’s reluctance to star in a sequel. Feig, however, seems undeterred in his quest to find some way to continue the film's world, and has announced a spin-off that would follow Jamie Denbo and Jessica Chafin’s characters Beth and Gina.
Introduced as part of the extended family belonging to Melissa McCarthy’s Shannon Mullins, Beth and Gina proceeded to steal scenes and generally behave badly. The actresses have an existing professional relationship with Feig, who directed the pair’s pilot for comedy characters Ronna & Beverly, and clearly thinks they’re worth sticking with.
“Jamie and Jessica are two of the funniest people on this planet,” Feig said in a statement that ran on Deadline. “They took small roles in The Heat and turned them into characters worthy of their own movie. I can’t wait to unleash Beth and Gina on the world. Run for your lives.”
Tricia McAlpin is now working on a script for the film, though no details have been released about what the pair might be up to. Given Denbo and Chafin’s comic abilities and sensibilities, we’d imagine there would be plenty of room for improv. As for a direct Heat sequel? It may still happen one day, but Bullock will likely need some cajoling.
As for Feig, he’s currently preparing to make Melissa McCarthy spy comedy Susan Cooper.