‘Hey Bear’: Mia Goth, Zach Galifianakis & Dan Stevens Topline Killer Bear Revenge Comedy Directed By ‘Portlandia’ Co-Creator Jonathan Krisel

Today, we’ve learned that “Hey Bear,” a new revenge comedy from HanWay Films that will be helmed by “Portlandia” co-creator Jonathan Krisel, is making a feature directorial debut. Not only that but the gestating project is heading to auction the American Film Market and has landed a trio of actors that include Mia Goth (“Pearl,” “Frakenstein,” “Star Wars: Starfighter”), Zach Galifianakis (“The Hangover,” “Lilo & Stitch”), and Dan Stevens (“Godzilla vs Kong,” “Solar Opposites,” “The Guest”).

The “coming of rage” story focuses on a woman, played by Goth, who seeks revenge on the bear that ate her husband. “Hey Bear” boasts a script from Carrie Kemper, who won an Emmy for work on Jake Schreier‘s “Beef” and also has a collection of outstanding writing credits on other well-established comedic TV projects such as “The Office,” “Silicon Valley,” “Nathan For You,” “Baskets,” “Miracle Workers,” “The Curse,” and “The Rehearsal.”

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An official logline for the original comedy as provided by Hanway:

Claire (Goth) has always led a life solely based on other people’s expectations. Married to Gregory (Stevens), she accommodates his desire to spend his life studying bears in Glacier National Park, even though it means months away from him at a time. During one of her visits, a grizzly bear, nicknamed Mr. Cranky by Gregory, mauls him to death. After being told by the park rangers that Mr. Cranky was euthanised, Claire finds out that the bear has merely been transported to another national park and is living his best life. The usually meek Claire makes up her mind to exact revenge on the bear. She teams up with socially awkward park ranger Putt (Galifianakis) to assassinate Mr. Cranky, but Putt has his own murky motivations for joining her. With death and truth lurking around every tree, Claire’s desperate, grief-fueled mission takes her on an ultimately uplifting journey of empowerment and self-discovery. Set in breath-taking natural scenery, this “coming of rage” story is a darkly comedic rollercoaster ride full of originality and surprise.

Alongside “Portlandia,” Krisel’s comedy credits for writing/directing consist of “English Teacher,” “Saturday Night Live,” “Kroll Show,” Tim & Eric,” and the aforementioned “Baskets.” He was also once tapped to tackle a sequel to “Detective Pikachu” for Legendary/WB and a “Sesame Street” movie, but it looks like “Hey Bear” is coming together first.

“There is nothing more thrilling than coming across a project that breaks barriers in terms of originality. As absurd and crazy as the premise of this story is, you always fully connect and empathise with Claire’s journey as she figures out how, out of grief, to take ownership of her life again. Mia Goth, Dan Stevens, and Zach Galifianakis are the dream team to make us laugh, feel, and gasp with shock and horror,” Gabrielle Stewart, CEO of HanWay Films, said in a statement concerning the big announcement.

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The film will be introduced to buyers at the AFM, with HanWay Films handling international sales, as the North American side will be overseen by WME Independent and UTA Independent Film Group. Kemper and Danica Radovanov are set as executive producers.

We have to assume “Hey Bear” will tap more cast members, so stay tuned for further updates on the revenge comedy.