Kristen Stewart and Alia Shawkat are bringing some seriously unhinged energy to the big screen in The Wrong Girls, a sci-fi stoner comedy that pairs them as best friends who accidentally gain telepathic powers after taking a mysterious experimental drug. The result? A wild ride that Stewart describes as having a "Beavis and Butt-Head" vibe, with a sprinkle of Ren and Stimpy chaos.
In a recent chat with Collider's Perri Nemiroff, the two stars opened up about their on-screen dynamic, the importance of having Dylan Meyer at the helm, and why this movie almost didn't get made the way it should have.
Why Dylan Meyer Had to Direct
Stewart, who also serves as a producer on the film, was adamant that Meyer—a first-time feature director—was the only person who could bring this story to life. "You don't twist yourself into a pretzel to get your movie made; you stand strong in the middle of it and make it for what it is," Stewart said, explaining that she encouraged Meyer to reject the status quo and take control of her own script.
Meyer wrote The Wrong Girls 13 years ago, and the project went through many iterations before finally coming together. Stewart revealed that at one point, the plan wasn't for Meyer to direct at all—but that didn't sit right with her. "Why are we hiring some dude to direct Dylan's movie?" Stewart recalled thinking. "This movie is so hers."
The film also got a boost from Seth Rogen's Point Grey Pictures, which came on board to produce. Stewart noted that having Rogen's support helped legitimize the project, but it was ultimately Meyer's unique voice and the strength of the script that attracted a stacked cast, including LaKeith Stanfield, Cate Blanchett, Kate McKinnon, Kumail Nanjiani, and Tony Hale.
Beavis and Butt-Head Energy
When asked about their chemistry, Stewart and Shawkat didn't hold back. "We're like Beavis and Butt-Head," Stewart joked, with Shawkat adding that they also channeled a bit of Ren and Stimpy. The two clearly relish the chance to play messy, aimless characters who are in way over their heads.
Shawkat, who stars as Molly, said she was drawn to the film because it's a buddy comedy that doesn't take itself too seriously—a genre that's often dominated by male duos. "There aren't enough stoner comedies or buddy comedies featuring women," she said, echoing Meyer's own sentiments.
The set was apparently just as chaotic as the movie itself. Stewart and Shawkat teased impromptu Celine Dion dance breaks, a diva cat co-star who demanded special treatment, and a general vibe that kept things loose and fun. "We just kept the vibes chill," Shawkat said.
A Love Letter to Weird Comedy
For Stewart, The Wrong Girls is a chance to celebrate the kind of comedy she grew up loving. She cited Now and Then as an early influence, while Shawkat pointed to All That as her first taste of kids doing comedy without a filter. Both agreed that there's a special joy in making something that doesn't fit neatly into a box.
With its mix of sci-fi, stoner humor, and genuine friendship, The Wrong Girls is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated comedies of the year. And if you're in the mood for more offbeat laughs, check out our list of the best crime comedies or dive into this unsettling horror-comedy that deserves a second look.
Stewart and Shawkat's conversation with Collider is a must-watch for fans, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the making of a film that promises to be as unpredictable as its leads. The Wrong Girls is set to hit theaters soon, and if the chemistry between its stars is any indication, it's going to be a wild ride.
