David Wain on Comedy's Evolution and His New Film 'Gail Daughtry'

David Wain, a key figure in comedy since the 1990s, discusses his career and new film 'Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass' in a New Yorker interview. The film, co-written with Ken Marino, stars Zoey Deutch as a woman pursuing Jon Hamm after her fiancé uses a celebrity sex pass. It premiered at Sundance and was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics, releasing this week. Wain traces his path from the State (MTV, 1994-1995) to Stella, 'Wet Hot American Summer' (2001, returning for 25th anniversary), and studio comedies like 'Role Models' (2008). He notes the decline of original comedy in Hollywood, with studios favoring sequels and superhero films. Wain's first film in eight years was made independently, reflecting a shift from the Apatow-era studio model. He emphasizes long-term collaborations with Marino, Michael Showalter, and Paul Rudd, and describes his writing process as intense week-long sessions. The film parodies 'The Wizard of Oz' and was shot in 21 days using low-budget methods. Wain, now 56, remains committed to his absurdist sensibility despite industry changes.