Melissa McCarthy is set to leave CAA and she will sign with UTA, an individual with knowledge of the situation has told TheWrap.
McCarthy is the third major star to exit CAA in the past 24 hours, following Chris Pratt and Will Ferrell.
A representative for UTA told TheWrap that McCarthy has not officially signed with the agency yet, noting that she is currently in production and focused on filming “Michelle Darnell.”
After years in the comedy trenches, McCarthy shot to stardom in Paul Feig‘s “Bridesmaids,” which led to her starring turn on CBS’ hit sitcom “Mike & Molly.” She helped power the comedy hits “Identity Thief” with Jason Bateman and “The Heat” with Sandra Bullock, and next stars in Feig’s comedy “Spy,” which premiered to strong reviews at SXSW.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, McCarthy made $2.5 million for 20th Century Fox’s “The Heat,” and she commanded significantly more for “Spy,” which is being released by the same studio. She also secured a sizable payday for Feig’s upcoming “Ghostbusters” movie at Sony.
CAA also helped McCarthy transition behind the camera, as she wrote and produced the Warner Bros. comedy “Tammy,” which was directed by her husband, Ben Falcone. Falcone is also represented by CAA, and it’s possible he could leave the agency with his wife. The duo are currently filming the Universal comedy “Michelle Darnell.”
McCarthy’s move comes on the heels of a mass exodus of agents from CAA to UTA, which shifted the balance of power within the Hollywood agency world. She is staying loyal to the agents who have been with her through thick and thin and helped her get to where she is now.
McCarthy continues to be managed by Christian Donatelli and Courtney Kivowitz at MGMT. Entertainment.