Melissa McCarthy to star in Christmas comedy scripted by Love Actually screenwriter Richard Curtis

dailymail.co.uk:

Melissa McCarthy has signed on to star in a Christmas comedy film written by Love Actually's screenwriter Richard Curtis.According to Deadline, the Bridesmaids star, 52 – who will soon be seen as Ursula in the highly anticipated live-action remake of The Little Mermaid – will headline a 'Christmas-in-New York' movie penned by Curtis, 66.The upcoming project remains untitled, but the central storyline will revolve around 'a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.' Merry Christmas: Melissa McCarthy, 52, has signed on to star in a Christmas comedy film written by Love Actually's screenwriter Richard Curtis.McCarthy is rumored to be playing the film's genie, putting an interesting spin on the fantasy archetype.

The Oscar-nominated actress recently wrapped Jerry Seinfeld's star-studded Pop-Tarts origin story called Unfrosted. Coupled together, McCarthy's recent spat of film projects could be seen as a decisive career shift.

Over the past decade, the prolific entertainer has fronted a string of projects made in partnership with her filmmaker husband Ben Falcone, 49.These joint efforts have not been well-received by critics, with their most recent venture, the Netflix comedy series God's Favorite Idiot, earning less-than-stellar reviews.

Lady of the lamp: The upcoming project remains untitled, but the central storyline will revolve around 'a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.' McCarthy is rumored to be playing the film's genie  Not this time: Over the past decade, the prolific entertainer has fronted a string of projects made in partnership with her filmmaker husband Ben Falcone, 49.