Cecily Strong, the actress, comedian and “SNL” cast member who just hosted the White House Correspondents’ Dinner has, according to a story at Deadline, joined the cast of the upcoming Universal Pictures comedy Michelle Darnell opposite Melissa McCarthy (Tammy, The Heat) and Kristen Bell (“Veronica Mars,” Frozen). McCarthy, who was nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in Paul Feig’s Bridesmaids, headlines the film as a titan of industry, who is sent to prison after she’s caught for insider trading. When she emerges ready to rebrand herself as America’s latest sweetheart, not everyone she screwed over is so quick to forgive and forget.
Based on an original character created by McCarthy, Michelle Darnell will be directed by Ben Falcone (Tammy) and is written by McCarthy and Falcone alongside their Groundlings collaborator, Steve Mallory. Peter Dinklage recently signed on to play the film’s antagonist with Kathy Bates (who also appeared in Tammy) set to appear as Darnell’s mother.
Strong’s role has not yet been revealed, although she’s no stranger the big screen. She can be seen coming up in the sports comedy The Bronze and is rumored to play a supporting role in Paul Feig’s Ghostbusters reboot. You can also take a look at her recent performance at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner in the player below, courtesy of C-SPAN.
Michelle Darnell will be produced by McCarthy and Falcone through their On the Day Productions and Will Ferrell and Adam McKay through their Gary Sanchez Productions. It is set to hit theaters on April 8, 2016.
