Mia Goth, Zach Galifianakis, and Dan Stevens Unite for Wild Revenge Comedy 'Hey Bear'

Get ready for a darkly comedic ride as 'Portlandia' co-creator Jonathan Krisel makes his feature debut with 'Hey Bear,' a star-studded "coming of rage" story that's already got us buzzing!

TL;DR

• Mia Goth, Zach Galifianakis, and Dan Stevens are set to star in the upcoming revenge comedy, 'Hey Bear'.
• 'Portlandia' co-creator Jonathan Krisel is making his much-anticipated feature directorial debut with this film.
• The movie is described as a "coming of rage" story about a woman seeking revenge on the bear that, well, ate her husband.

From "Portlandia" Charm to "Hey Bear" Mayhem: Jonathan Krisel's Feature Debut

If you're a fan of quirky, offbeat humor, then the name Jonathan Krisel probably rings a bell. As the brilliant mind behind the beloved sketch comedy series 'Portlandia,' Krisel has a knack for finding the absurd in the everyday. Now, he's taking his unique vision to the big screen, marking his feature directorial debut with an incredibly promising project called 'Hey Bear.'

This isn't just any comedy, though. We're talking about a "bold revenge comedy" that’s being pitched as a "coming of rage" story. Forget your typical rom-coms or slapstick shenanigans; 'Hey Bear' sounds like it's going to hit different, blending dark humor with genuine emotion and a wildly original premise. It's the kind of movie that immediately makes you sit up and take notice, wondering how on earth they're going to pull it off – and knowing Krisel, he absolutely will.

Unpacking the "Coming of Rage" Plot: A Woman, A Bear, and a Quest for Vengeance

So, what exactly happens when a woman decides to get revenge on a bear? 'Hey Bear' centers around Claire (played by Mia Goth), a woman who, according to the synopsis, has always lived her life based on other people's expectations. Her husband, Gregory (Dan Stevens), is a bear enthusiast, spending months at a time studying grizzlies in Glacier National Park. Claire, ever accommodating, goes along with his passion.

But things take a grizzly turn (pun intended) during one of her visits. Gregory is tragically mauled to death by a bear he affectionately nicknamed "Mr. Cranky." Heartbreaking, right? The park rangers tell Claire that Mr. Cranky has been euthanized, giving her a small measure of closure. However, in a twist that sets the entire "coming of rage" plot in motion, Claire later discovers that Mr. Cranky wasn't put down at all. Nope, he was merely relocated to another national park and is, quite literally, "living his best life."

And that, my friends, is where the meek Claire's transformation begins. Fueled by grief and a righteous fury, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Her mission? To assassinate Mr. Cranky. Along the way, she teams up with Putt (Zach Galifianakis), a socially awkward park ranger with his own "murky motivations" for joining her on this outlandish quest. The story promises a "darkly comedic rollercoaster ride full of originality and surprise," all set against the backdrop of breathtaking natural scenery. It’s a journey of empowerment and self-discovery, showing how Claire, out of her profound grief, ultimately takes ownership of her life again.

Meet the Stellar Ensemble: Mia Goth, Zach Galifianakis, and Dan Stevens Take on a Grizzly Mission

A premise this wild needs a stellar cast to bring it to life, and 'Hey Bear' has certainly delivered on that front. The film boasts a captivating trio of talents: Mia Goth, Zach Galifianakis, and Dan Stevens.

Mia Goth takes on the leading role of Claire. You might know Goth from her powerhouse performances in recent horror hits like 'X' and 'Pearl,' or her upcoming role in Guillermo Del Toro's 'Frankenstein.' She has a remarkable ability to portray characters with intense emotional depth, often veering into the unsettling or fiercely determined. Seeing her take on this "meek woman turned vengeful protagonist" in a comedy context is incredibly exciting.

Joining her is the hilarious Zach Galifianakis as Putt, the socially awkward park ranger. Galifianakis is a master of deadpan humor and has a filmography packed with memorable roles in comedies like 'The Hangover trilogy' and animated features such as 'Lilo & Stitch.' His unique brand of comedy is sure to add a distinct flavor to Putt's character, especially with those "murky motivations" teased in the synopsis. We can already imagine the awkward yet side-splitting interactions between him and Goth's vengeful Claire.

Rounding out the main cast is the versatile Dan Stevens as Gregory, Claire's ill-fated husband. Stevens has shown incredible range throughout his career, from the charming lead in 'Downton Abbey' to scene-stealing roles in 'The Guest,' 'I'm Your Man,' and 'Beauty and the Beast.' His ability to balance drama with subtle humor makes him a perfect fit for a character whose tragic demise kicks off such an unconventional story.

"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

The Creative Minds Behind "Hey Bear": A Winning Team from Script to Screen

Beyond the impressive cast, 'Hey Bear' is backed by a formidable creative team. The screenplay was penned by Emmy-winning writer Carrie Kemper, celebrated for her work on the critically acclaimed Netflix series 'Beef.' Her experience with sharp dialogue and exploring complex human emotions through a darkly comedic lens makes her an ideal choice to craft this unique narrative.

Producing the film is Alix Madigan, known for her work on indie darlings like 'Winter's Bone,' which speaks to the film's potential for both originality and critical acclaim. Carrie Kemper also serves as an executive producer alongside Danica Radovanov, ensuring a strong vision from development to the final cut.

The film is already generating buzz in the industry, with HanWay Films handling international sales and WME Independent & UTA Independent Film Group representing North American sales. 'Hey Bear' is currently being introduced to buyers at the American Film Market (AFM), a major event where films secure distribution deals. This early market interest signals strong confidence in the project and its potential to connect with audiences worldwide.

Why "Hey Bear" is Set to Be Your Next Must-Watch Offbeat Comedy Adventure

In a cinematic landscape that can sometimes feel predictable, 'Hey Bear' is bursting onto the scene as a breath of fresh, albeit wild, air. It promises to be more than just a revenge flick; it’s a journey that explores grief, resilience, and the unexpected paths to self-discovery, all wrapped up in an unforgettable comedic package.

Comparing it to other animal-centric dark comedies like 'Cocaine Bear' might give you a hint of its tone, but 'Hey Bear' seems poised to carve out its own niche. It's less about the creature feature chaos and more about the human reaction to an absurd tragedy, empowering a character to break free from expectations. The combination of Jonathan Krisel's comedic sensibilities, Carrie Kemper's sharp writing, and the incredible chemistry expected from Mia Goth, Zach Galifianakis, and Dan Stevens truly makes this a "dream team."

We're looking forward to seeing how this "coming of rage" story unfolds, whether it makes us laugh, gasp, or perhaps even shed a tear. 'Hey Bear' sounds like it's going to be a truly original and surprising cinematic experience, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected stories are the ones that resonate the deepest. Keep an eye out for more updates on this exciting project – we certainly will be!

FAQ: All Your Burning Questions About "Hey Bear" Answered

What kind of movie is "Hey Bear"? "Hey Bear" is described as a bold revenge comedy and a "coming of rage" story, blending offbeat humor with dark themes of grief, empowerment, and self-discovery. Who is directing "Hey Bear"? The film marks the feature directorial debut of Jonathan Krisel, best known as the co-creator of the acclaimed sketch comedy series 'Portlandia.' What is the plot of "Hey Bear" about? The story follows Claire (Mia Goth), a woman who, after her husband (Dan Stevens) is mauled to death by a grizzly bear, discovers the bear wasn't euthanized but relocated. She then teams up with a socially awkward park ranger (Zach Galifianakis) to hunt down the bear for revenge. Who are the main stars in "Hey Bear"? The primary cast includes Mia Goth as Claire, Zach Galifianakis as the park ranger Putt, and Dan Stevens as Claire's husband, Gregory. Sources

• Various industry reports, published October 29, 2025.