The amazing Melissa McCarthy knows how to strut Leicester Square’s red carpet. Her success in Bridesmaids has brought her critical acclaim as an actress to watch out for. Yet she’s struggled to find the right script, unable to show her complete range. The plot of the film is simple: A desk-bound CIA analyst volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent diabolical global disaster.
Spy has given her the opportunity to accentuate her action as well as her words, and provides hope that McCarthy is indeed a force to be reckoned with. Whilst promoting her latest film Spy, her latest collaboration with director Paul Feig, McCarthy attended the star-studded premiere held in London’s prestigious Leicester Square.
McCarthy was as amiable in the flesh as she is on the screen. “It was a big risk to take on this kind of genre,” she said. “It was important to not make it a spoof, but to show high octane action sequences and make it a spy story to stand on its own.” The fact that huge laughs come on top of this spy story is what will add to the charm of this film. “I love that all of the speed and tension stay and you get the laughs on top of that. Paul Feig did a great job handling that combination.”
The overall message would be to not judge a book by its cover. Anyone can be a spy, regardless of not having the traits of being sleek, suave and sophisticated. “It was great to read a script about a woman being a spy. There’s a lot of women out there that do it, so why not? I wanted to show an interesting character as a spy and I loved it.” The fact that McCarthy performs 90% of her action sequences should be a reason alone to rush to see this film.
The writer/director and prince of comedy Paul Feig may soon knock Judd Apatow off the throne if he plays his cards wisely. “It was easy to get all actors on board. I’ve got a good reputation for creating a fun set, so we had a blast.” Working with Melissa McCarthy for the third time Feig had nothing but kind words to say about his leading lady, “For one thing, she’s extremely talented and funny. I love directing her in comedy as she has a talent to tell a dramatic story and making people laugh. She’s a great gal.” The fact that everyone was able to come on board the project willingly was very fortunate. “Everyone was pretty much on the game. I wrote the roles specifically for Miranda Hart and Jason Statham. When Jude Law got the script he showed a massive interest in the role. We worked well together and had a great time, so working in Budapest was a massive triumph.”
Finally we spoke to newcomer Nargis Fakhri, who relished 
playing the villain despite all the intense action sequences. “It was tough, but it was a lot of fun.” She talked of all the professional training for her fights with Melissa and the inevitable bumps and bruises. “It was because people weren’t aiming right, but it was a pleasure to work with Melissa as she’s beautiful inside and out, as well as funny.” Fakhri then complimented Paul Feig’s direction as she said, “I felt really lucky to work with Paul Feig as he’s an amazing director and for that, I felt super lucky.”
And with that they all disappeared into the the venue leaving us press to pack up our things and head home for the night.
Spy will hit cinemas in the UK on 5th June.
Photos: Aly Lalji
