Ghostbusters star Melissa McCarthy has a new comedy in the works. Coming from STXfilms, she has taken the lead role of Brian Henson’s comedy The Happytime Murders, a film which sees a world where humans and puppets coexist with each other.
The film takes place in Los Angeles where McCarthy plays a detective who is forced to work with a puppet detective on a high-profile case. Someone has been murdering the cast of ‘The Happytime Gang’, a beloved puppet show, and its up to them to find the killer.
“Melissa McCarthy is the reigning queen of comedy and we believe she will make The Happytime Murders the kind of hysterical, edgy, viral event that audiences today crave,” said STXfilms Chairman Adam Fogelson. “This is the kind of script and material that was made for Melissa’s smart and boundary-pushing sensibilities. Having worked with her years ago on Bridesmaids and Identity Thief, I could not be more delighted or excited to be working with her again.”
Melissa McCarthy also spoke about why she chose the role, saying: “When a really good script combines puppet strippers, Los Angeles’ underbelly and comedy, it’s like my fever dream has finally come true.”
“Melissa and Ben’s brand of humor is infectiously unique. I am thrilled to be partnering with them and STXfilms on The Happytime Murders,” added Henson.
Last year it was reported that Jamie Foxx would star in the lead role, but it would seem that he’s no longer involved. The Happytime Murders is an R-rated comedy from The Jim Henson Company and has been in production since 2008. No word yet on when the film could be released or who else could be involved, but we should find out more soon enough.
Originally published May 3, 2017. Updated April 15, 2018.
