‘The Comeback Girl,’ Joan Rivers Biopic Series Is Called Off
The Comeback Girl, a limited series meant to star Kathryn Hahn and follow the life of the late Joan Rivers, has been canceled. The project was pulled when producers were unable to obtain the actress’ life rights from her daughter, Melissa Rivers.
The producers would have included Kathryn Hahn herself, Greg Berlanti (Love, Simon), and Cosmo Carlson (Time Lost).
Although Joan Rivers is known for her comedy, the series would have focused on a relatively dark period in Rivers’ life as she honed her career as a comedian. With the suicide of her husband and the cancellation of The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers, the grim point in the star’s life would have demonstrated the beautiful depth of character behind her comedic public image.
Kathryn Hahn on Joan Rivers would have been very good. That’s too bad
— George Bon Jovi Washington (@JasonRussell1) October 26, 2021
While the series could have continued without the rights to Rivers’ life, producers would have been disallowed from using any of her actual jokes, nor would they have been able to utilize her estate. Without this level of authenticity, the creators would not have been able to give Joan Rivers’ story justice.
Whyyyyyyyyyyy LET ME EXPLAN SOMTHING TO U ALL JOAN RIVERS IS A LEGEND A ICON AND PEOPLE NEED THIS HUGE FAN AND I MISS U SO MUCH
— Scott Yaldo (@ScottYaldo) October 26, 2021
Audiences who had previously been looking forward to the series seem to be disappointed that the creators spoke too soon on this project. Although, fans are holding onto the hope that the legend’s life story will one day be immortalized on the screen.
The buzzy #JoanRivers project by Showtime called “The Comeback Girl” with #KathrynHahn was a mirage. A spec script! No life rights! Joan would say, “Meryl Streep & I are laughing– in 5 different accents.” Good Grief! Do it right, someone! Joan’s amazing story should be told. pic.twitter.com/TOHZhEmUnO
— Jenn Carson (@8675309Carson) October 27, 2021
While another project starring Bad Moms and WandaVision actress Kathryn Hahn would have been a real treat, a WandaVision spin-off starring the actress is in the works, as well as Apple TV’s The Shrink Next Door and Knives Out 2. Joan Rivers’ infamous legacy will continue to lie with memories of her, her vast filmography, and the books that she authored, including Diary of a Mad Diva.
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