Hey Bear – Mia Goth, Zach Galifianakis and Dan Stevens star in the “coming of rage” dark comedy

Image by Pexels from Pixabay

HanWay Films has boarded HEY BEAR, the highly anticipated directorial debut from acclaimed comedy writer-director Jonathan Krisel (Portlandia, Baskets), written by Emmy Award-winner Carrie Kemper (Beef, The Curse, The Rehearsal, Silicon Valley, The Office). The film will be introduced to buyers at AFM, with HanWay Films handling international sales and WME Independent & UTA Independent Film Group representing North America.

HEY BEAR is a “coming of rage” story about a woman who seeks revenge on the bear that ate her husband. Lead cast includes Mia Goth (Emma, Pearl, Frankenstein) as Claire, Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover trilogy, Baskets, Between Two Ferns) as Putt and Dan Stevens (I’m Your Man, The Guest,  Eurovision, Beauty and The Beast, Legion, Godzilla) as Claire’s husband Gregory. Alix Madigan (Winter’s Bone, 1982, Hold Your Breath) will produce.

Claire (Mia Goth) has always led a life solely based on other people’s expectations. Married to Gregory (Dan 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 (Zach 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.

HEY BEAR is a revenge comedy like no other – a bold, subversive and emotionally charged exploration of grief and liberation. Director Jonathan Krisel, known for his Emmy-nominated work on Portlandia and Baskets, has built a reputation for crafting sharp, character-driven comedy. Teamed with writer Carrie Kemper, whose writing on Beef earned her an Emmy Award and whose work across acclaimed series including The Rehearsal, The Curse, Silicon Valley and The Office has established her as one of television’s most exciting comedic storytellers – the film brings a unique blend of Krisel’s offbeat humour married with Kemper’s distinctive and empathetic voice.

Mia Goth continues to cement her reputation as one of the most daring and versatile actors of her generation, following breakout performances in Ti West’s X and Pearl and Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool.

Zach Galifianakis, a two-time Emmy Award winner, is beloved for his distinctive comedic sensibility in The Hangover trilogy and his critically acclaimed series Baskets, which he co-created with Krisel. Dan Stevens brings his trademark charisma and depth, having starred in I’m Your Man, Eurovision, The Guest and Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast.

Gabrielle Stewart, CEO of HanWay Films, said: “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.”

Executive producers are Carrie Kemper and Danica Radovanov. Jonathan Krisel is represented by UTA and Mosaic. Carrie Kemper is represented by UTA. Mia Goth is  represented by WME, Curtis Brown and Jackoway, Austen. Zach Galifianakis is represented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners and UTA. Dan Stevens is  represented by CAA and Julian Belfrage Associates.