Bridesmaids Cast Reunites at Oscars, Sparks Sequel Demands After 15 Years

The cast of the beloved comedy Bridesmaids sent fans into a frenzy as they reunited to present two awards at the 98th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday. This nostalgic moment came 15 years after the film first hit theaters in 2011, starring Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Ellie Kemper, Maya Rudolph, and Wendi McLendon-Covey. However, McLendon-Covey was notably absent from the ceremony, later explaining on Instagram that she had to skip the show while recovering from surgery.

Oscars Stage Reunion and Humorous Banter

Wiig, McCarthy, Byrne, Kemper, and Rudolph were greeted with cheers and applause as they strolled onto the stage together. SNL alum Wiig told the crowd, "We are so happy to all be here together tonight. I cannot believe that it's been 15 years." She then jokingly added, "Now we are not good with numbers, but we figured out backstage that means we shot this movie in 1883."

Kemper began to explain the importance of a film score before being interrupted by a crew member handing each actress a note. The actresses glanced around in confusion, with McCarthy questioning, "Are these from people in the audience?" Rudolph opened hers and read, "Well, mine says 'First of all, you ladies look extremely beautiful tonight.' Oh, that's nice. Thank you!" She continued, "'You're all aging well.' Signed, Stellan Skarsgard." The camera quickly cut to Skarsgard in the audience, who calmly nodded, causing the star-studded audience to break out into laughter.

Byrne shared her note aloud, expressing, "Oh, this one's for me. 'Rose, can you please stop looking at me? The eye contact is too much. I'm thinking of leaving. I'm very uncomfortable. Sincerely, Leonardo DiCaprio.'" The camera panned to DiCaprio, sporting a mustache, and she added, "I apologize, I have been staring at you. I thought you were somebody else." McCarthy chimed in with, "It happens to him a lot," before reading her own note.

More Celebrity Notes and Award Presentations

McCarthy noted the poor handwriting on her note, which read, "Hi, I'm with Stellan Skarsgard writing my own separate note. I also agree you ladies look radiant. All the things you've done to your faces are very tasteful. Yours truly, Elle Fanning." Fanning was seen silently pointing to her face before giving a thumbs up. McCarthy added, "Okay, wait, there's more. It says, 'Just kidding, it's me again, Stellan Skarsgard.' Come on!"

Wiig read hers, saying, "Okay, mine's short. 'You guys have been talking for a long time. This bit could have been a lot shorter. This is really going on and on. You aren't even talking about score. That's all. Love you lots! Benicio del Toro. Or for those of you who refuse to learn Spanish, it's Benedict of the bull.' Is that right?" The camera jumped to del Toro, who jokingly pointed to his watch.

Kemper was the last to read her note, expressing, "It just says, 'I'm tired and I want to go home. This show is very long and there's no pizza. Signed, the kid from 'Hamnet.'" Jacobi Jupe was seen nodding, causing the crowd to laugh and applaud.

The Bridesmaids cast then presented the Oscar for Best Score, which went to Ludwig Goransson for Sinners. They also announced the second award for achievement in sound. Rudolph humorously asked, "You know earlier today, when I was counting my money, I asked myself, 'What is sound? Really.' Am I right?" McCarthy replied, "It's a mystery, Maya. They've asked scientists, the best in the world including Steven Spielberg. And even he doesn't know. And once again, I find myself disappointed with you, Steven." The camera cut to Spielberg holding his hands out in shocked confusion as the audience laughed again.

Kemper added, "I actually think I can help out here. I was just talking about this with a woman I met on a rollercoaster. She said without sound... we wouldn't hear anything." After a few more jokes, the Academy Award for Achievement in Sound went to F1.

Fan Reactions and Sequel Demands

Social media users jumped to X to share their thoughts on the reunion, with many demanding a sequel. One fan penned, "It made me so happy to see the Bridesmaids cast reunite again. They were hilarious," while another said, "Ok but what if the cast of Bridesmaids hosted next year or even just reunited for like SPY 2."

Other comments included:

"Feel like we need a sequel of Bridesmaids. Gather the whole crew Annie's wedding That would be fire."
"We need a Bridesmaids 2! Love this cast."
"I wouldn't mind a Bridesmaids sequel."
"Need a bridesmaids 2. Or at least a film with all 5 girls together again."
"We need another movie with the Bridesmaids actresses! Seriously, they're the absolute best!"
"I am not a girl that ever asks for part 2 but we need Bridesmaids part 2 ASAP."
"This is my formal petition to have the Bridesmaids cast host every future Oscars ceremony."

McLendon-Covey's Absence and Film Legacy

However, McLendon-Covey was not part of the reunion, and she soon offered clarification on Instagram. She wrote, "In response to some of the dms I'm getting: I had a neck lift last week because I'm tired of looking like a melting candle. So I had to skip the Academy Awards. No drama. Everything is fine." She included a selfie of herself resting in bed with a wrap secured around her face.

Bridesmaids was released in theaters in 2011, directed by Paul Feig. It was a box office success, raking in $289.1 million on a budget of $32.5 million, and garnered critical acclaim. The comedic film received two Oscar nominations at the time for Best Supporting Actress for McCarthy and Best Original Screenplay.