Super funny superhero
Funnywoman Melissa McCarthy gets to fulfil dream of playing a superhero - sans leotards
Melissa McCarthy wants to be a superhero, she loves Wonder Woman's Lasso of Truth and her "amazing boots".
But McCarthy doesn't want to wear leotards or skimpy outfits.
So US writer-director Paul Feig, 53, helped to fulfil the 45-year-old US actress' dream - with a slight difference.
McCarthy plays smart and sassy paranormal expert Abby Yates in Ghostbusters which opens here tomorrow.
"Being a ghostbuster is as close to being a superhero as I can," McCarthy told M in a group interview.
"There is something hopeful about watching everyday people rise up and do the right thing."
Feig added: "I have four superwomen who are extremely funny, creative and dynamic."
The duo were in town last month to promote their remake of the iconic 80s action-comedy.
Feig's reimagination features McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon and Leslie Jones stepping into the shoes of Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson, while Chris Hemsworth plays their receptionist.
The women get into action when Manhattan is plagued by ghosts and a powerful demon.
Ghostbusters is McCarthy's fourth collaboration with Feig. She starred in his 2011 hit comedy Bridesmaids, The Heat in 2013 and Spy last year.
Paul, what made you want to reboot Ghostbusters with women in the lead?
Feig: What I love about the ghostbusters is that they are the underdogs in every sense.
What I did here is not to make it any different. We just have four great characters who happen to be women. Funny people are funny people, regardless of gender.
Did you write the script with Melissa in mind?
Feig: I can't never have Melissa in mind when I write things! But I had her in mind for a different character initially.
When we were figuring out the characters and their dynamics, we decided that Melissa would be better for the Abby role.
Having worked with each other for a while now, have you guys developed a shorthand?
McCarthy: Definitely. The shorthand helps as we know we are always constantly doing something better together.
When we don't think something is right, we know we can change to make it better. We're always elevating our ideas.
If he is not in love with something I do, I'd know and I'd keep on doing it until he likes it. There is no ego, it is always fluid and changing.
Melissa, you have found your niche as a comedienne. What is the key to your success?
McCarthy:I just try to be true to those women I play and fight for them to be real.
Feig: What she is doing right is that she is playing all of us. She lets her guard down. She doesn't go, 'I don't do that as it will make me look bad.'
McCarthy: I try not to make a person too perfect. I think you fall in love with people who are flawed. I try to keep that in mind all the time.
Paul, why do you keep making female-centric movies?
Feig: I want to show Hollywood that my movies make money, and they are starring women.
We need to do more of them, not just me. I want the movie studios to let other people do it too.
McCarthy: I think what works is that Paul doesn't try to make 'women movies'. He doesn't make things that say 'it's a women's comedy'.
It's not how he thinks. He goes for what is funny. He hires whoever is funny. He writes and directs for the characters.
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