Mindy Kaling gives Emma Thompson’s comic persona a long overdue makeover in a new trailer for Nisha Ganatra’s “Late Night.” With over 40 Emmy Awards and a long-running late-night show to her name, Katherine (Thompson) has been coasting. She hasn’t changed with the times. Her writers room is full of Ivy League-educated white men, and her comedy has grown stale and outdated. Under pressure to diversify, she hires Molly (Kaling), her first female writer.
While lacking in experience, Molly is incredibly enthusiastic and has natural talent. She’s just what the show needs, though no one else seems to realize it. Katherine’s defensive about her work and Molly’s colleagues are convinced she hasn’t earned her spot at the table.
“I will not be marginalized because no one here looks like me,” Molly says. She’s told that Katherine isn’t trying to silence Molly on account of her gender or race — she just wants her new hire to prove herself.
Kaling penned the script for “Late Night,” which is inspired by her own experiences as a writer for “The Office.” The pic scored one of the biggest deals out of Sundance this year. You can catch it in theaters beginning June 7
Check out the trailer to see how Molly influences and improves Katherine’s show.
