EXCLUSIVE: Netflix is in early development on the live-action feature adaptation of the classic children’s book, Miss Nelson Is Missing, with Melissa McCarthy on board to star. Written by Harry Allard and illustrated by James Marshall, the film is in early development with Brad Copeland adapting.
The classic book series revolves a misbehaving class whose teacher is mysteriously absent from school one day. But after a week with their strict substitute, Viola Swamp, the kids can’t wait for Miss Nelson to come back. Sources say McCarthy would play both Nelson and Swamp in the film.
The package for the popular series had been coming together in recent weeks, with Hello Sunshine spearheading the package, with Netflix being the first stop. The streamer was immediately high on the idea not only because of the source material but given all the top tier talent involved especially McCarthy and Falcone, who have had strong ties to Netflix over the years.
Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter will produce for Hello Sunshine, Lawrence Grey will produce for Grey Matter, Caroline Fraser will produce under the HarperCollins banner and McCarthy and Ben Falcone will produce under their On the Day Productions banner. McCarthy and Netflix had previously worked on the movies Superintelligence and Thunder Force
Next up for McCarthy is the Paramount+ limited series The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey (a working title). Other credits for the two time Oscar-nominnee include Tammy, The Boss, Life of the Party, The Happytime Murders and Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed.
Copeland is no strange to adapting family friend material having written the DreamWorks Animation pic Ferdinand and Spie In Disguise. He most recently penned the Paramount dramedy Jerry and Marge Go Large.
McCarthy is repped by CAA and MGMT Entertainment and Copeland is repped by Range and UTA.