With Role Models, writer/director David Wain has gained a larger audience for his unique sense of humor.

Wain Crosses Over

on November 09, 2008 by Phil Contrino
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Up until this weekend, writer/director David Wain has only enjoyed a small, loyal following. Not anymore.

With its estimated haul of $19.3 million, Role Models has given the quirky director the kind of mainstream exposure that will allow him to start bringing his unique brand of humor to larger audiences.

Wain's directorial debut was 2001's Wet Hot American Summer, which grossed only $295,208 domestically during its theatrical run. Which isn't bad, considering that WHAS was never playing at more than 12 locations. The film featured an impressive ensemble cast that was made up of Role Models star Paul Rudd, Molly Shannon, Bradley Cooper, David Hyde Pearce and Janeane Garofalo and it has since gained a cult following on DVD.

Wain returned behind the camera last year for The Ten, which once again was only given a mediocre theatrical run. The Ten peaked at 47 locations and it grossed $769,726 domestically. Just as he did with WHAS, Wain was able to gather an impressive ensemble cast for the film. Once again, Rudd was on board along with Jessica Alba, Winona Ryder, Gretchen Mol and Famke Janssen.

Wain is also recognizable in front of the camera as 1/3 of the comedy trio Stella. The group also features Michael Ian Black (writer of Run, Fatboy, Run ) and Michael Showalter ( The Baxter ). Stella had a short-lived show on Comedy Central, and their stand-up routine and short sketches have also become cult hits.

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