Since her scene-stealing turn in Bridesmaids, Melissa McCarthy has been attached to a number of new projects. There’s the rumored rom-com helmed by Bridesmaids’ director Paul Fieg, the Stanley Cup heist-comedy co-written by Bridesmaids‘ scribe Annie Mumolo, Judd Apatow’s Knocked Up spin-off This is Forty, and her teaming with Jason Bateman for ID Theft. Basically, there’s plenty for her fans (new and old) to look forward to. Then, just days after becoming an Emmy-winner, McCarthy announced she’s working on a new comedy script with Tate Taylor, the writer/director of The Help.
At the time, McCarthy revealed that the script, called Tammy, was only half-done, but that hasn’t stopped New Line from buying this raunchy, dark comedy offering. THR reports that McCarthy is set to executive produce and will likely star in the film that “centers on an overweight woman who is laid off from her job at Hardee’s, discovers her husband is having an affair, and decides to go on a road trip with her alcoholic, foul-mouthed, diabetic grandmother.”
Let’s get serious: McCarthy damn-well better star! It’s a part written by her (and Taylor) for her. Besides, she’s been building a rep as a sharp and solid comedienne with a string of supporting roles for years. Then with Bridesmaids, she showed her fearless go-for-broke comedic abilities, and drew raucous laughter and big box office numbers. It’s clear audiences crave more from her. Despite Tammy’s likely early draft status, it’s a no-brainer for New Line to get behind a script penned by people attached to two of the biggest/most surprising successes of the summer. (So-called chick flicks can actually be good and make money! Who knew?)
Back when Bridesmaids first starting gaining major momentum, director Paul Feig was quoted as saying, “If an actress like Melissa becomes a huge star? THAT is a world I want to live in.” Looks like that world is right around the corner, and it’s going to be wild!
Which of McCarthy’s projects are you most intrigued by?