The Oscars included a reunion of the Bridesmaids cast that brought several original stars to the red carpet, but Wendi McLendon-Covey did not appear because of scheduling issues, the film’s director said.
Bridesmaids Reunion: Who Attended — And Who Wasn’t
Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, Rose Byrne and Ellie Kemper all hit the red carpet ahead of the reunion honoring the film’s 15th anniversary. Noticeably absent was Wendi McLendon-Covey, who played Rita in the 2011 movie.
Director’s Explanation and McLendon-Covey’s Activity During the Show
Bridesmaids director Paul Feig said he had heard she was not available and that she might even be traveling, adding that the group would miss her terribly. McLendon-Covey has not commented on her reason for missing the awards show, though she was posting Reels on her Instagram Story during the show.
Sequel Talk: Cast Interest and Who Needs to Move First
On the red carpet, McCarthy said she’s so down for a Bridesmaids sequel, and Feig also appears to be game. Feig noted that the film’s women are doing big things in their careers, which could make assembling everyone difficult, and said that it’s largely up to Kristen Wiig. He pointed out that Wiig and Annie Mumolo, who co-wrote the original, would need to get a script together; Feig said he’s heard of ideas for a follow-up but would not get in the writers’ way.
Outside of the reunion, McLendon-Covey’s recent credits were noted: she was on The Goldbergs from 2013 to 2023 and is currently starring as Joyce on NBC’s St. Denis Medical.
As the reunion played out on the Oscars stage, the cast’s attendance, the director’s comments and early sequel talk provided the clearest public picture of why one original member was missing and what might come next.
