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Kim Kardashian is continuing her expansion into the acting world, and this time she’s teaming up with Netflix for a brand-new ensemble comedy, The Fifth Wheel, expected for release in 2027. With a powerhouse lineup of female comedians, a script from a legendary SNL veteran, and Eva Longoria sitting in the director’s chair, the movie is undoubtedly one of the biggest swings in Netflix’s upcoming comedy film lineup.
Before The Fifth Wheel found a home at Netflix, it was one of the hottest scripts in Hollywood. Following the conclusion of the SAG-AFTRA strike around Thanksgiving 2023, the film became the center of an intense five-studio bidding war. Kim Kardashian was heavily involved in the process, showing up to pitch meetings across town alongside Pell and Brito to personally sell executives on the vision.
Slated to arrive on Netflix in 2027, the movie is currently deep into post-production. Here is our updated comprehensive “Everything We Know” guide for The Fifth Wheel, complete with the latest casting tidbits and behind-the-scenes interviews!
What is the plot of The Fifth Wheel?
Netflix has officially provided the following logline for the relationship comedy, but on the surface, it’s a raucous girls’ trip movie in the vein of Bridesmaids or Girls Trip (perhaps with a hint of The Hangover too, given the Vegas connection), centered around the dynamic of an unwanted “fifth wheel” crashing the party:
“A group of best friends from high school attempt to reconnect during a weekend jaunt to Vegas. When a hot outsider crashes the weekend, they’re forced to face their messy lives, bad decisions, and unraveling friendships.”
Who is in the cast of The Fifth Wheel?
The film boasts a stacked ensemble cast of comedy heavyweights and familiar faces.
- Kim Kardashian (American Horror Story: Delicate)
- Nikki Glaser (Trainwreck, FBoy Island)
- Brenda Song (Dollface, Secret Obsession)
- Fortune Feimster (FUBAR, Good Fortune)
- Casey Wilson (Happy Endings, Bitch Sesh)
- Jack Whitehall (Jungle Cruise, Bad Education)
- Scott MacArthur (The Righteous Gemstones, The Mick)
Will Ferrell’s Mystery Role Revealed!
As we previously reported, Will Ferrell will be making a surprise appearance in the movie. Remember the bizarre set photos of Ferrell walking next to Kim Kardashian in a wizard-meets-pirate getup? We finally know who he’s playing! According to cast listings, Ferrell is stepping into the role of Brad La Cadabra, a Vegas magician.
Picture Credit: BACKGRID UK
Elsewhere, the supporting cast includes Troy Castaneda, Adam Labelle, Sadie Kennedy, Fatima, Dona Gregorio, Jordan Alexis, Tal Tayar, Sophia Bui, Evelyn Kim, and Reese Alzona.
Who is behind the movie?
Eva Longoria (Flamin’ Hot) is directing the feature and serves as a producer on the project.
The script was penned by Paula Pell and Janine Brito. Pell is a legendary former Saturday Night Live writer whose credits include Sisters and Girls5eva (which Brito also wrote for and starred in).
Fun Fact: The hilarious script was actually written by a real-life Hollywood romance! Paula Pell and Janine Brito are married in real life[2], having tied the knot in November 2020[3]. Having a married couple write a movie centered entirely around the messy dynamics of female relationships is sure to give the comedy an authentic, lived-in edge[4].
The film is a joint production between Netflix, Gloria Sanchez Productions (the female-focused sister label of Gary Sanchez Productions), and Hyphenate Media Group.
What is the production status of The Fifth Wheel?
Official Production Status: Post-Production (as of August 2026)
Cameras rolled on The Fifth Wheel earlier this year. Filming took place over a two-month shoot from January 21, 2026, to March 12, 2026. The production primarily shot on location in Los Angeles, California and Las Vegas, Nevada to capture the authentic girls’ weekend getaway energy. On January 8, 2026, the state of California committed $14.8 million in tax credits to secure the film’s production.
First Look Set Photos!
Thanks to BACKGRID (and a couple of official snaps from Netflix), we’ve gotten a fantastic sneak peek at the filming process, which teases the chaotic Vegas energy:
- Director in Action: Eva Longoria was spotted behind the camera, casually dressed in a white tee and baseball cap, sharing a laugh with the crew while directing the ensemble.
- The Ensemble Cast: We got several glimpses of the core group. One notable shot shows Kim Kardashian (in a sleek black cutout top and leather pants), Nikki Glaser (in a blue corset dress), and Brenda Song (sporting a bright red wig and an argyle sweater) looking absolutely stunned by something off-camera.
- Dumpster Hiding: Further teasing the comedic hijinks, Kardashian, Glaser, Song, and Fortune Feimster were photographed hilariously crouching and hiding behind a blue commercial dumpster on the street.
- Vegas Glam: Kardashian was also seen completely decked out in a spectacular red-and-black sequined showgirl outfit with a massive cape and feather headpiece[5].
Picture Credit: Netflix
Picture Credit: Netflix
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Extra News, Interviews, and Tidbits
Now that filming has wrapped, more behind-the-scenes tidbits and interview soundbites have been making their way around the web:
Eva Longoria Promises a Hilarious Ride
Director Eva Longoria has been making the press rounds and teasing the movie’s tone. In recent interviews, including an appearance on TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle, Longoria spoke about the project, calling it her “first big female comedy”. She also praised Kardashian’s comedic chops on set, stating, “I cannot wait for the world to see how great she is!”.
Kim Kardashian is Feeling the Pressure
The Fifth Wheel marks a major milestone for Kim Kardashian: it’s her first time leading and producing a feature film. During a January 2026 appearance on her podcast, Khloé in Wonder Land, Kardashian admitted that she felt a bit “overwhelmed” by the massive undertaking of leading a movie, but she is leaning on her co-stars and is dedicated to making it a success.
The core cast appears to have bonded deeply during their filming in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Comedian Fortune Feimster even took a moment during an exclusive E! News red carpet interview with Zuri Hall at the Oscars in March 2026 to gush about how much fun the ensemble was having on set, specifically noting what a blast it was to collaborate with Kardashian.
When will The Fifth Wheel release on Netflix?
While Netflix has not yet pinned down an exact release date, the movie is thought to be part of the 2027 streaming slate.
Given that filming wrapped in March 2026 and the film is currently in post-production, we expect a release in the first half of 2027. We’ll be sure to keep you posted the second a trailer or official release date drops!
Are you excited to watch The Fifth Wheel on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!
