We still have a few blessed months before we’re bombarded with Christmas-themed advertising, but here’s some holiday news worth celebrating in June: Melissa McCarthy is set to topline and produce “Margie Claus,” a holiday musical she co-wrote. The Hollywood Reporter writes that New Line has picked up the comedy project.
The Oscar winner will play the title character, Santa Claus’ wife Margie. After Santa goes missing while delivering presents on Christmas Eve, Margie swings into action. She puts together a rescue team and ventures away from the North Pole — for the first time in decades — to save Santa and Christmas.
Described as a “broad holiday family musical that New Line hopes will be in the same spirit (and have the same success) as another company Christmas movie, ‘Elf,’” “Margie Claus” will be directed by McCarthy’s frequent collaborator — and husband — Ben Falcone.
The film is scheduled for release on November 15, 2019.
McCarthy received an Oscar nomination in 2012 for smash hit “Bridesmaids.” “The Heat,” “Identity Thief,” “Spy,” and “Tammy” are among her biggest box office successes. Her upcoming projects include college-set comedy “Life of the Party” with “Love’s” Gillian Jacobs, R-rated puppet comedy “The Happytime Murders,” and Marielle Heller’s follow-up to “The Diary of a Teenage Girl,” “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”
