After successful collaborations on "Bridesmaids" and "The Heat," Melissa McCarthy is in early talks to reteam with director Paul Feig on his female spy comedy "Susan Cooper," multiple individuals familiar with the 20th Century Fox project have told TheWrap.
"Susan Cooper," which is being developed as a potential franchise in the same tone as "The Heat," will be a realistic comedy about a female James Bond-type.
McCarthy has an offer and her team is now negotiating her deal, which is subject to scheduling issues with her CBS series "Mike & Molly."
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Feig wrote the script and will produce through his Feigco Entertainment banner along with Jessie Henderson. Fox exec Daria Cercek will oversee the project for the studio.
The idea for "Susan Cooper" was inspired by the reintroduction of James Bond in 2006's "Casino Royale," which ranks among Feig's favorite recent movies.
Feig has publicly lamented the lack of female-driven projects in Hollywood, particularly after the surprise success of Universal's hit comedy "Bridesmaids," which grossed $288 million worldwide. His production company, which recently signed a first-look deal at Fox, is tasked with finding edgy R-rated comedies and other commercial properties in the vein of "Bridesmaids."
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McCarthy, who is currently filming "St. Vincent de Van Nuys" with Bill Murray, recently wrapped "Tammy," which she produced and co-wrote with her director husband Ben Falcone. She's coming off "The Heat" and "Identity Thief," which respectively grossed $131 million and $134 million at the domestic box office.
McCarthy is repped by the Schiff Company and CAA, which also reps Feig along with attorney Warren Dern.