MCU star Sebastian Stan is joining forces with Bulgarian actress Maria Bakalova for a new spy comedy film that’s reportedly in the works at Paramount. Stan, who has starred as Bucky Barnes in several Marvel movies and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and Bakalova, whose acting history includes The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, are reportedly boarding the project in lead roles alongside crew members Jenny Bicks, Paul Feig, and Laura Allen Fischer.
The currently-unnamed spy comedy will be based on a script by Jenny Bicks (The First Wives Club). Deadline reports that the project will center around a failed double agent – likely played by Sebastian Stan or Maria Bakalova, though nothing’s been confirmed – who becomes “an unlikely success.” Paul Feig, who’s known for directing famous comedy series’ like Parks & Recreation, The Office, and Bridesmaids, has agreed to direct the project, which could mean great things for the level of comedy the film could bring to Paramount. Feig has also previously worked with screenwriter Jenny Bicks on Welcome to Flatch (2022), where Bicks served as showrunner and creator.
Paramount Brings Sebastian Stan & Maria Bakalova Aboard New Project
Sebastian Stan has joined Paramount’s new spy comedy in what’s currently an unspecified role but likely pretty high in the billing order, given that his acting history includes eight years as Bucky Barnes, aka the Winter Soldier, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Outside of the MCU, Sebastian Stan’s recent roles include Mickey in the 2020 romance flick Monday, Steve in the horror film Fresh (2022), and a younger Tommy Lee in Hulu’s Pam & Tommy, a TV miniseries based on the real-life affair between Pamela Anderson and Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee.
Maria Bakalova rose into the limelight with Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020), where she acted opposite Sacha Baron Cohen. She later starred in Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022) as Bee, the timid newcomer to a drug-and-booze-fueled hurricane party that turns into a mysterious murder spree, and would lend her voice to Cosmo the Space Dog in The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. Bakalova can also be seen in the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which is set to release next month.
Paul Feig will direct and produce Paramount’s unnamed spy comedy alongside Laura Allen Fischer for Feigco Entertainment, Emily Gerson Saines, and Sebastian Stan. Further information on the project has yet to be released by Paramount Pictures or any other official sources, but details will likely become available as the project continues development.