Melissa McCarthy to Star in "Miss Nelson Is Missing" Film Adaptation for Netflix

Netflix is in early development on a live-action feature adaptation of the classic children’s book “Miss Nelson Is Missing,” with Melissa McCarthy on board to star.

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. McCarthy is set to play both Nelson and Swamp in the film.

Brad Copeland (“Spies in Disguise,” “Ferdinand”) is adapting the screenplay from the 1977 book written by Harry Allard and illustrated by James Marshall.

“Miss Nelson Is Missing” book series has two sequels, “Miss Nelson Is Back” and “Miss Nelson Has a Field Day,”.

Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter will produce for Hello Sunshine, Lawrence Grey will produce via Grey Matter, Caroline Fraser via under the HarperCollins banner, and McCarthy and her husband Ben Falcone will produce under their On the Day Productions banner.

McCarthy has previously collaborated with Netflix on movies such as “Superintelligence” and “Thunder Force.”

Next up for McCarthy is the Paramount+ limited series "The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey" (working title). Other credits include “Bridesmaids,” “Spy," “Can You Ever Forgive Me?," “The Little Mermaid” remake, and "Unfrosted," and producing "Bob Ross: Happy Accidents," "Betrayal," and "Greed."