David Wain follows the yellow brick road to Hollywood in his latest comedy

Published: Friday, July 17, 2026 at 11:00 am

David Wain, a filmmaker known for his absurdist comedies, is back with a new movie, "The Comedy Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass." The film stars Zooey Deutch as Gail Daughtry, a woman whose fiancé has a fling with his celebrity crush. To salvage her relationship, Gail must now have a sexual encounter with actor Jon Hamm, who plays himself in the movie.

The film is described as a humorous send-up of "The Wizard of Oz," with Gail Daughtry journeying to Los Angeles in pursuit of her goal, encountering allies and obstacles along the way. Wain, who co-wrote and directed the project, has a long history of collaborating with friends on comedic endeavors. His signature style, characterized by "dumb jokes and silly visual gags," is evident in the film, as exemplified by a recurring gag involving John Slattery's foot.

Wain expressed his view that pure comedies, unattached to other genres like action or horror, are increasingly rare. He also noted that the entire film was shot in Los Angeles, a practice he finds uncommon in current filmmaking. The screenplay for "The Comedy Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass" was developed over a decade by Wain and his longtime friend Ken Marino, a collaboration that began during their film school days in the late 1980s.

Actor Joe Lo Truglio, who plays a character likened to a "flying monkey" in the new film, has also known Wain since their undergraduate years. Lo Truglio described Wain's comedic sensibility as encompassing wordplay, slapstick, and extended jokes. Their shared comedic roots trace back to their time at New York University, where Wain and ten friends formed a sketch comedy troupe called The State, which later gained a following on MTV.

This collaborative spirit and long-standing friendships are a hallmark of Wain's career. His 2001 low-budget film "Wet Hot American Summer," a cult classic set at a summer camp and featuring a cast of now-famous actors, is a testament to this. Many involved in "Wet Hot American Summer" have reunited for Wain's latest project, including Marguerite Moreau, who praised Wain's collaborative and playful approach.

Wain's comedic influences include Steve Martin, Woody Allen, and Mel Brooks, and his early experiences, such as working as a summer camp counselor, have informed his storytelling. He is also celebrating the 25th anniversary of "Wet Hot American Summer" with a musical tour. Wain continues to pursue his passion for music and comedy with his close circle of friends, emphasizing the value of working with people who share a similar sensibility and have become like family.

BNN's Perspective:
In an era often dominated by franchise films and genre blending, David Wain's commitment to crafting pure comedies is a welcome and refreshing approach. His latest offering, while seemingly outlandish in premise, taps into a long-standing tradition of absurdist humor and the power of collaborative creativity. The film's reliance on a core group of friends and collaborators, many of whom have a shared history dating back decades, suggests a genuine passion and understanding that can resonate with audiences seeking lighthearted entertainment.

Tags: David Wain, comedy, Zooey Deutch, Jon Hamm, The Wizard of Oz, absurdist comedy, Ken Marino, Joe Lo Truglio, The State, MTV, Wet Hot American Summer, Marguerite Moreau, summer camp, Steve Martin, Woody Allen, Mel Brooks

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