"Bad Moms" was a modest hit this summer, connecting with female audiences and scoring at the box office. Parent studio STX Entertainment has decided to capitalize on that success with a follow-up flick, though in a head-scratching move, it's eschewing plans for a traditional sequel in favor of targeting a different demographic entirely.

Deadline reports that instead of "Bad Moms 2," STX is making a spinoff called "Bad Dads," essentially copying the format of the original -- which starred Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Christina Applegate, and Kathryn Hahn -- but replacing the leads with a bunch of offbeat dudes. The flick is currently looking for its stars, with a casting announcement planned sometime in the next few weeks.

According to the studio, there's a method to its madness. In a statement, STX said:

"Where other studios have automatically green lit traditional and significantly more expensive sequels, STX has determined those sequels on average are grossing 68% less than the originals. Instead, STX has chosen to focus on extending consumer passion for the Bad Moms brand with a series of film spin-offs, a reality television show, short form digital content, and a robust consumer products program."

While we agree that the endless parade of sequels is getting old, it does seem odd for STX to essentially ignore what made "Bad Moms" a success -- appealing to an under-served female audience looking for an original comedy -- in favor of once again chasing the male moviegoer. And what does "robust consumer products program" even mean?

We'll have to wait until next summer to see how "Bad Dads" measures up against its predecessor. The flick is due in theaters on July 14, 2017.

[via: Deadline]