Plenty of talented comediennes have graced the modern stage — from the pioneering likes of Fanny Bryce on Ziegfield Follies to hilarious television personalities like Nicole Byer, these women have paved an impressive history on the face of comedy, pop culture, and entertainment. Among these performers is the incomparable Melissa McCarthy, who knows how to draw viewers in with distinctive charm and unabashed tenacity. After gaining recognition from her breakout role as Sookie on Gilmore Girls, McCarthy has starred in and produced many shows and films, and nearly all of them have left us crying with laughter.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
One of McCarthy’s most memorable roles is that of Susan Cooper in Spy, an unexpectedly skilled desk worker-turned-CIA field agent. She spends most of the film in a hot pink cat lady disguise, and the character delivers on laughs, heart, and straight-up women empowerment all around. Along with McCarthy, Spy was packed with silver screen favorites like Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, and Jude Law among many others. The Paul Feig film was a smash hit, and Melissa McCarthy received no less than 8 award nominations and a People’s Choice Award for her work. Sadly, the action-comedy never managed to slate a sequel despite overwhelmingly positive reviews. But don’t grieve just yet — there’s still hope for a follow-up film, and it’s all a matter of things falling correctly into place. Here’s a look at Spy 2, and why it needs to happen.
Spy 2 is Already Written
Via: Chernin Productions
Following the movie’s wildly successful box office release in May 2015, director Paul Feig told The Guardian that he was already writing a sequel. Spy 2 was set to include Jason Statham as Agent Ford, but the project couldn’t move forward without a producer. He later remarked in 2019 that film studios still hadn’t shown any interest in picking up Spy 2, though he added that anything was possible in terms of the project. Since the sequel is already partially written, there’s plenty of foundation for the cast and crew to build on. The material, the director, the cast, and, most of all, audience interest are still there, and it’s mostly a matter of getting a producer interested in the movie. This leads to the following point…
McCarthy Herself Could Help Produce the Film
Back in 2013, McCarthy and her husband Ben Falcone started On the Day Productions, which has since collaborated with a wide range of established film companies. They began with Tammy in 2014, and their filmography now includes titles like The Boss, Nobodies, and Thunder Force. With a colorful repertoire of movies under their belt already, McCarthy and Falcone could certainly take the reins and work with Feig to get Spy 2 released. Feig has already created the setting and characters, and Spy solidifies his expertise as a film writer. Considering that most On the Day Productions works are typically praised for cast talent rather than writing, these powerhouses could collaborate on what may be their most entertaining movie yet.
The World Needs More Susan Cooper
Susan Cooper is easily the best part of Spy. Enthusiastically portrayed by McCarthy, it’s hard not to smile or drop your jaw when she appears on the screen. On the outside, she’s more soft-spoken and subdued than she lets on, but she steps boldly into the shoes of a real field agent, and we see her evolve into a fierce, intelligent woman who refuses to be stopped by anything. One of her most enjoyable qualities is that she’s somehow the ideal image and antithesis of a spy all at once — at certain points, she’s completely unphased by the chaos around her, but she also gives huge, expressive reactions, and unapologetic observations as she opens up. True to form, McCarthy is hilarious and bold as Susan Cooper, and we simply need more of her in our lives.
In fact, the first movie already showed us material that could be used in the sequel. During the credits, we’re treated to scenes of Susan’s missions around the world, and we definitely need an update on how she’s doing as a field agent! Spy 2 has tons of potential to show us more of her undercover work, especially if she can partner up with Agent Ford again. We may even get to see a sequel film that shows the duo on their own unique solo missions. Either way, it’s time to bring this agency of talented operatives back to the theaters.
Spy Was Just That Good
There’s a reason why Spy maintains a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was nominated for 26 awards following its release. Everything about this movie genuinely is just that enjoyable. The casting is one of the strongest suits, especially since most of the actors have been seen in more covert, serious dramas (like realistic spy movies). Juxtaposed with McCarthy’s impeccable physical humor and sharp wit, the film takes itself seriously enough, but isn’t afraid to poke fun at common action tropes. In particular, Statham and McCarthy had some of the best on-screen chemistry when it came to balancing comedy with intensity. The action scenes are surprisingly well choreographed, the setting is dynamic, and the hair and makeup departments were absolutely at the top of their game. The story is a little crazy, but it’s cohesive, and the plot lines connect in a way that makes sense, but still keeps you guessing.
Another exciting aspect of a possible sequel is more cameos — the first film included guest appearances from rapper 50 Cent, drag legend Verka Seduchka, and even director Paul Feig. We’d love to see Spy 2 take this to new heights with even more cameos from unexpected celebrities. Considering McCarthy’s extensive history with Saturday Night Live, we’re certain she could get other beloved alums on board as well.
