Two of the most exciting comedic performers working today are teaming up for a new film, but in a surprising twist, it’s not a comedy.Deadlinereports thatMelissa McCarthyis in negotiations to co-star withGirls TripbreakoutTiffany Haddishin an adaptation of the DC/Vertigo graphic novelThe Kitchen, which is a gritty crime drama. Yes indeed, the story takes place in 1970s Hell’s Kitchen and revolves around mob wives who end up taking over their husbands’ businesses when the FBI does a sweep and sends the men to jail.
This premise is actually a bit similar to a star-studded film coming out this year calledWidows. That movie hails from12 Years a SlavedirectorSteve McQueenand takes place in present day, revolving around a group of women whose husbands were killed in a robbery gone wrong and must complete the heist to pay off debts.Viola Davis,Elizabeth Debicki,Michelle Rodiguez, andColin Farrellstar in that one.
The Kitchenpromises to be unique in one regard: Oscar-nominatedStraight Outta Comptonco-writerAndrea Berloffwrote the script and is making her directorial debut. That’s a swell development, as normally promising projects like this go to an up-and-coming male filmmaker. Here New Line Cinema and DC Entertainment are walking the walk, and I’m excited to see the perspective Berloff brings to the screen.
Haddish made waves last summer in the comedyGirls Trip, in a breakout role many compared to McCarthy’s star-making turn inBridesmaids. The stand-up comedian by trade has found herself a hot commodity, and she’s even talking to filmmakerPaul Thomas Andersonabout potentially doing a project together.
McCarthy, meanwhile, has been vacillating between comedy and drama for a couple years now. She had a swell dramatic turn in 2014’sSt. Vincentand leads the upcomingMarielle HellerdramaCan You Ever Forgive Me?, but she’s not leaving comedy behind as she leads this summer’sLife of the Party, directed by her husbandBen Falcone.
No word on whenThe Kitchenstarts production, but there’s a third major role to be cast so stay tuned.
