Rose Byrne to battle Kristen Wiig in Apatow comedy

I’ve been wondering for a while who would wind up getting cast to star alongside Kristen Wiig in her upcoming wedding-themed comedy (formerly titled BRIDESMAIDS). I thought they’d go with someone who had strong comedic chops that would amount to a pairing not unlike Tina Fey and Amy Poehler in BABY MAMA but instead they’ve gone a different route. Rose Byrne will play the other bridesmaid who’s battling with Wiig for the attention of the bride-to-be (Maya Rudolph).

Like many Judd Apatow-produced movies, the script seems to be in a state of flux, constantly being tweaked and updated before production begins later this summer. And now it still is a little unclear which role Wiig will be playing. Originally she was one of the bridesmaids battling with an overbearing Maid of Honor. But Variety now lists Wiig as playing the MOH.

So why cast Byrne, an actress primarily known for her dramatic roles, alongside Wiig? I’d guess it’s due in no small part to her supporting role in another Apatow film, this summer’s GET HIM TO THE GREEK. And frankly the more I think about it, the more I’m thinking this is a smart choice. Also allegedly cast in the film as other bridesmaids are Ellie Kemper (the new secretary on “The Office”) and Melissa McCarthy (“Gilmore Girls”) though that has yet to be confirmed. Director Paul Feig, Apatow, Wiig and her co-writer Annie Mumolo are currently finishing up the script with Universal looking to get filming going this June.