'Bridesmaids' Director Paul Feig Inks First-Look Deal With Fox

Paul Feig -- whose comedy Bridesmaids was a box office sensation -- has signed a first-look deal with 20th Century Fox.

our editor recommends

Paul Feig Co-Producing 'Ronna & Beverly' For Sky Atlantic

'Bridesmaids' Director Paul Feig Reveals How Twitter Saved His Movie and Why Awards Matter (Q&A)

The pact marks the first overall talent arrangement sealed by Fox Filmed Entertainment chairman-CEO Jim Gianopulos since the departure of Tom Rothman. It also puts the studio squarely in the R-rated comedy game, an arena it has largely avoided.

Q&A: 'Bridesmaids' Director Paul Feig Reveals How Twitter Saved His Movie and Why Awards Matter  

Feig, also the creator of Freaks and Geeks, will direct and produce comedies for Fox via his Feigco Entertainment banner. The move solidifies his budding relationship with the studio, which releases Feig's upcoming female-fueled comedy The Heat on April 5.

Headlining Sandra Bullock and Bridesmaids star Melissa McCarthy, the R-rated pic was produced by Feig and Peter Chernin via his Chernin Entertainment banner.

"I had an amazing time working with the gang at Fox on The Heat and am very excited to team up with them to make as many commercial comedies as humanly possible. I've also been looking to expand my carbon footprint and so their extreme distance from Burbank allows me that much-desired opportunity," Feig said.

Added Fox president of production Emma Watts: "Paul is a fantastic filmmaker whose character-based comedies are filled with emotion and insight. He is a creative force that the best talent is drawn to. We couldn't be more excited for him to have a home at Fox."

Feig is represented by CAA.