female-led comedy

Eva Longoria reveals whether directing Kim Kardashian in ‘The Fifth Wheel’ was hard


She also recalled Kardashian's reaction when she learned her longtime friend would be directing the comedy


Eva Longoria and Kim Kardashian© Getty Images for This Is About H
Shirley GomezSenior Writer
NOVEMBER 2, 2026 12:06 PM EST

Eva Longoria opens up about directing longtime friend Kim Kardashian in Netflix’s upcoming comedy The Fifth Wheel, revealing why the star-studded film was such a joy to make.

Eva Longoria is giving fans another reason to get excited about Kim Kardashian’s upcoming Netflix movie, The Fifth Wheel. The actress and director has opened up about working with her longtime friend, calling the experience a dream and promising plenty of laughs when the female-led comedy arrives in 2027.

Eva Longoria with the cast of 'The Fifth Wheel'© Glen Wilson / Netflix
Eva Longoria with the cast of 'The Fifth Wheel'

During the Día de Muertos Gala at Universal Studios Backlot in California on October 27, Longoria, 51, shared an exciting production update with PEOPLE, revealing that the movie is nearing completion. “We’re in post. We actually are locking this week, and we will be premiering in the spring of next year,” Longoria told the outlet.

The Desperate Housewives alum also had nothing but praise for Kardashian, 46, who leads the ensemble comedy. “Kim is a dream. She’s such a good friend,” Longoria said, describing their collaboration as an especially enjoyable experience. 

Eva Longoria Says Kim Kardashian Is a Dream to Direct

Longoria and Kardashian have known each other for approximately 25 years, making their professional collaboration particularly meaningful.

 Eva Longoria, Khloe Kardashian and Kim Kardashian on April 4, 2010© Getty Images
Eva Longoria, Khloe Kardashian and Kim Kardashian on April 4, 2010

Although Kardashian is best known for her reality television empire, beauty businesses and fashion influence, Longoria believes audiences are about to discover another side of her personality.

In a previous interview with PEOPLE in March 2026, the director explained that Kardashian plays a central role in the film and has a natural sense of humor that viewers may not expect. “Kim is the anchor of the movie,” Longoria said.

She also recalled Kardashian's reaction when she learned her longtime friend would be directing the comedy. According to Longoria, Kardashian was relieved to have someone behind the camera who already understood her personality and comedic abilities.

Kim wore a dazzling showgirl corset covered in bling.© Backgrid/The Grosby Group
Kim Kardashian and Will Ferrell were seen making a quick exit from the set of The Fifth Wheel in Los Angeles

Longoria has expressed confidence that Kardashian's performance could help encourage Hollywood to produce more female-driven comedies. 

What Is Kim Kardashian’s New Netflix Movie ‘The Fifth Wheel’ About?

The Fifth Wheel follows a group of former high school best friends who reunite for a weekend getaway in Las Vegas. The women hope to reconnect and enjoy a much-needed escape from their everyday responsibilities. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when a glamorous outsider, played by Kardashian, enters the picture.

Her arrival disrupts the group's dynamic, forcing the friends to confront unresolved tensions, questionable decisions, and relationships that may not be as strong as they once believed.

Kim Kardashian and Will Ferrell were seen making a quick exit from the set of 'The Fifth Wheel' in Los Angeles after filming a Las Vegas-style show scene. © Backgrid/The Grosby Group
Kim Kardashian and Will Ferrell

According to Netflix's official description, the unexpected guest pushes the women to confront their complicated personal lives and deteriorating friendships. 

The premise combines friendship drama, outrageous situations, and adult humor, with Las Vegas providing the perfect setting for a weekend that quickly spirals out of control. Longoria has previously described the project as an unapologetically R-rated female comedy with a modern feel.

Who Stars Alongside Kim Kardashian in ‘The Fifth Wheel’?

Kardashian is surrounded by an impressive ensemble of comedians and actors. Nikki Glaser, Fortune Feimster and Brenda Song portray the longtime friends at the center of the story, while Kardashian plays the mysterious outsider who shakes up their reunion.

The movie also features Will Ferrell, Casey Wilson, Jack Whitehall and Scott MacArthur. Longoria additionally named Kristen Wiig and rapper 50 Cent among the performers involved in the production during her October interview. 

 In the scene, Kim was picked up by Fortune Feimster while Kristen Wiig walked down the street holding a pride flag. © Backgrid/The Grosby Group
In the scene, Kim was picked up by Fortune Feimster while Kristen Wiig walked down the street holding a pride flag.

With such a diverse comedic cast, Longoria admitted that maintaining a serious atmosphere on set was nearly impossible.

When PEOPLE asked how she managed to work alongside so many funny personalities, the director replied: “Let me tell you something. It was very hard to not have a good time every day.”

Eva Longoria Loved Working With the Female-Led Cast

Beyond Kardashian's involvement, Longoria has emphasized how meaningful it was to work on a project featuring women in prominent creative roles. The movie was written by Paula Pell and Janine Brito, with Kardashian also serving as a producer.

Longoria previously explained that having women represented among the writers, producers, cast and director made the filmmaking experience feel different.

Eva Longoria and Kim Kardashian© Getty Images for This Is About H
Eva Longoria and Kim Kardashian

In her March interview, she recalled the conversations and friendships that developed during filming, particularly her time with Kardashian, Glaser and Feimster.

She praised Glaser's insightfulness and described Feimster as an especially joyful presence on set.

Longoria also revealed that the cast spent much of the production laughing together, creating an atmosphere that reflected the movie's comedic spirit.