The Netflix pic The Fifth Wheel, from Kim Kardashian and screenwriter Paula Pell, is adding even more star power as sources tell Deadline that Eva Longoria is set to direct, with Gloria Sanchez coming on as producers of the comedy.
Kardashian is on board to star from a script by Pell and Janine Brito. Both Kardashian and Pell are producing along with Jessica Elbaum and Will Ferrell through their Gloria Sanchez banner as well as Cris Abrego and Longoria’s Hyphenate Media Group.
While plot details are being kept under wraps, insiders say Kardashian will play the eponymous “fifth wheel” alongside a female ensemble cast.
The project has been a priority ever since the streamer landed the package over Thanksgiving weekend in 2023 following a competitive auction. To no one’s surprise given Pell’s track record, the script has been described as one of the funnier in some time by a number of buyers who were involved in the auction.
That stamp of approval was legitimatized with Gloria Sanchez boarding the project. The production company has built a resume of not only popular, hit comedies like Booksmart and Theater Camp but also films led by strong female talent both in front and behind the camera.
Once Gloria Sanchez jumped in, the next step was finding a director and it soon became important to all parties to find a female director to help tell the story. After several meetings, execs and producers landed on Longoria as the right fit following her major studio directing debut Flamin’ Hot. The Searchlight biopic blew away the town after it premiered at SXSW 2023, where it won the audience award and earned praise specifically pointed at Longoria for her directing skills.
While that film leaned more on the dramatic end, Flamin’ Hot showcased plenty of laughs and heart and became a big selling point for this pic.
As for Kardashian, this isn’t her only acting job in the coming months as the trailer for her upcoming Hulu series All’s Fair dropped to a big reaction last week.
