Writer and director David Wain joins the 1st on Film podcast to discuss his hilarious new comedy, Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass. Known for his signature brand of absurd, offbeat comedy, David takes us behind the scenes of creating a film that satirizes celebrity culture, Hollywood, and the idea of the infamous “celebrity pass.” We chat about collaborating with longtime creative partner Ken Marino, assembling an incredible cast led by Zoey Deutch and Jon Hamm, balancing outrageous comedy with genuine emotion, and why original comedies still deserve a place on the big screen. Along the way, David also reflects on his career, his approach to writing and directing, and what continues to inspire him after decades of making some of comedy’s most beloved cult classics. If you’re a fan of smart, irreverent comedy—or simply curious about how a filmmaker like David Wain brings wonderfully bizarre ideas to life—you won’t want to miss this conversation. David Wain is an acclaimed writer, director, producer, actor, and comedian whose work has helped define modern cult comedy. A founding member of the influential sketch comedy troupe The State, Wain went on to create and direct numerous fan-favorite films and television series. His directing credits include Wet Hot American Summer, Role Models, Wanderlust, The Ten, They Came Together, and A Futile and Stupid Gesture. On television, he has been a creative force behind acclaimed series including Childrens Hospital, Medical Police, Stella, and the Wet Hot American Summer Netflix series. His latest feature, Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, co-written with longtime collaborator Ken Marino, is an original comedy starring Zoey Deutch, Jon Hamm, John Slattery, Ben Wang, Joe Lo Truglio, Sabrina Impacciatore, and an ensemble of memorable celebrity cameos. The film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival before its theatrical release through Sony Pictures Classics. Throughout his career, Wain has become known for blending absurd humor, heartfelt storytelling, and unforgettable ensemble casts into some of the most beloved comedy projects of the past two decades.
