Jon Hamm and John Slattery Reunite in Wild New Comedy at Sundance
In a delightful twist of Hollywood fate, Jon Hamm and John Slattery, the iconic duo from Mad Men, have reunited for a surreal comedy that’s turning heads at the Sundance Film Festival. The film, Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, directed by David Wain, is a bizarre and humorous take on celebrity culture and a Midwestern bride’s quest for revenge.
A Quirky Plot with a Star-Studded Cast
The story follows Zoey Deutch as Gail Daughtry, a bride-to-be who sets out on a wild journey through Los Angeles after her fiancé sleeps with his celebrity “hall pass.” Determined to even the score, Gail seeks her own celebrity conquest, with Jon Hamm playing the object of her desire—a fictionalized version of himself. John Slattery, meanwhile, plays a down-on-his-luck version of himself, enlisted to help Gail on her quest.
From ‘Mad Men’ to Absurd Humor
For Hamm and Slattery, the opportunity to step into self-aware, comedic roles was too good to pass up. The pair, known for their stoic performances in Mad Men, dive into a completely different genre with Wain’s unique brand of humor. Slattery, who was filming in Budapest when Hamm called with the news, was immediately intrigued.
“It was funny and weird and like nothing I had done before,” Slattery recalls of his first reading of the script. Hamm, on the other hand, was already signed on, having known Wain and his longtime collaborator Ken Marino for over two decades.
A Nod to Wain’s Cult Following
Wain, known for his absurdist comedies like Wet Hot American Summer and Childrens Hospital, has built a cult following over the years. His films often feature an ensemble of rotating A-listers, and Gail Daughtry is no exception. The film’s working title, I’ll Take the Hamm, perfectly encapsulates the playful tone of the project.
“I saw Wet Hot American Summer in theaters. My friend Paul Rudd was in it. Nobody knew who Amy Poehler was or Bradley Cooper,” Hamm says. “It was so many fun and funny people that were forming this nucleus of hilariousness.”
Zoey Deutch Shines in the Lead Role
While Hamm and Slattery bring their star power to the table, it’s Zoey Deutch who anchors the film as Gail Daughtry. Deutch, who recently portrayed Jean Seberg in Richard Linklater’s Nouvel Vague, delivers a comedic performance that balances the absurdity of the plot with genuine charm.
“You would run into people in the parking lot or in the makeup trailer, and you’re like, ‘That’s crazy,’” Slattery says of the eclectic cast. The film’s ensemble includes Ken Marino, Miles Gutierrez-Riley, and Ben Wang, among others, creating a wild tapestry of characters and cameos.
A Laugh-Out-Loud Experience
For Hamm, the appeal of the project was clear: “When you get an offer to go to work and it’s, ‘Come and laugh for 12 to 14 hours, and you’ll also get a very meager paycheck, as well.’ You go, ‘OK, that sounds fun.’” The goodwill between Wain, Marino, and their collaborators has resulted in a film that’s both hilarious and heartfelt.
As the Sundance Film Festival continues, Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass is quickly becoming one of the standout comedies of the event. With its star-studded cast, surreal humor, and unexpected twists, the film is a testament to the magic of Hollywood reunions and the joy of collaborative comedy.
Conclusion
Jon Hamm and John Slattery’s reunion in Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass is a reminder that even the most serious actors can embrace the absurd. As the film makes its rounds at Sundance, audiences are in for a treat with this wild, funny, and utterly unique comedy. Keep an eye out for this one—it’s bound to be a cult favorite in no time.