Bette Midler reveals First Wives Club reunion film stuck in 'development hell'

Despite hopes for a reunion after their success in The First Wives Club, Bette Midler, Diane Keaton, and Goldie Hawn's plans for another comedy, titled The Family Jewels, have hit a snag. 

Midler recently disclosed to PEOPLE that the film, originally announced in 2020, is currently stuck in what she describes as "development hell."

"It's in the abyss where all good scripts go to die," Midler lamented about the status of the project, which has been in the works for several years. 

Reflecting on the lengthy development process, she remarked, "Fifteen years is the time limit, I think. When it's been in development for 15 years, you kind of throw up your hands."

When asked about her optimism for the film's future, Midler expressed skepticism: "No, no, no," she replied definitively. 

Despite efforts to reach out to producer Bradley Fischer's representative, no response was immediately received regarding the current status of the movie, which was announced four years ago.

According to IMDb, the plot of The Family Jewels revolves around three women who, having all been married to the same man, find themselves reluctantly spending the holidays together with their children and grandchildren after their ex-husband's passing.

Bette Midler recently opened up to PEOPLE about the anticipated reunion film, featuring herself alongside Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton. 

Despite initial excitement when the project was announced, Midler hinted at the uphill battle they faced.

"I think it's funny. When women get together, they laugh harder with each other than they do with men," Midler observed, speculating on the dynamics that might contribute to their comedic chemistry. 

"I don't know what it is. I guess they feel freer or something like that."