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

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.'

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.