After sharing the screen in a blockbuster reboot, Awkwafina and Karen Gillan are re-teaming for an original story. The “Jumanji: The Next Level” co-stars will topline Jude Weng’s “Shelly,” an action-comedy that puts a fresh spin on a revenge story. Deadline broke the news.
Described as “‘Mean Girls’ meets ‘Barry,'” “Shelly” is set a decade after a humiliating prom prank “ran Shelly Wheeler (Awkwafina) out of town, and so hardened her heart that she became an ice-cold hit-woman. Revenge threatens to be sweet when she learns her next target is her former high school tormentor, Dianna Park (Gillan). But when Dianna unexpectedly befriends Shelly, the assassin finds herself in with the cool crowd, protecting her old nemesis against another hit-crew hired to kill them both,” the source teases.
Liz Storm and Michael Doneger penned the script for the project, which “is out to the town today through Ian Bryce Productions,” and is likely to be snatched up soon.
“Jumanji: The Next Level” took in over $795 million worldwide.
After breaking out with “Crazy Rich Asians,” Awkwafina has gone on to star in titles such as “Ocean’s 8” and “The Farewell.” She won a Golden Globe for her role in the latter.
Best known for her role as Nebula in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Avengers” franchises, Gillan’s other credits include “Doctor Who” and “Selfie.”
Both actresses are also active behind the scenes. Awkwafina created, exec produces, and writers for her Comedy Central series “Awkwafina is Nora from Queens.” The coming-of-age story has been renewed for a second season. Gillan made her feature directorial debut with “The Party’s Just Beginning,” a dark comedy about a woman grieving the suicide of her best friend. She also wrote the script for the pic.
Weng’s extensive TV credits include “Fresh Off the Boat,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.” Her feature debut, “Finding Ohana,” has been acquired by Netflix with a release date TBA. The pic enters on two Brooklyn siblings spending a summer in a rural Oahu town. The pair embark on an adventure to find a long-lost treasure, an experience that leads them to reconnect with their Hawaiian heritage.
