Having seen latest film The Change-Up flop quite spectacularly at the US box office, Jason Bateman is preparing to get back on the horse for upcoming comedy ID Theft .
Initially written for two male leads, the film will follow the endeavours of Bateman’s character as he has his identity stolen by a scam artist.
However, having watched Melissa McCarthy’s scene-stealing turn in Bridesmaids , Bateman has pushed for the role to be re-written for a female performer. As a result, McCarthy is reportedly in talks to co-star.
Initially penned by The Pursuit Of Happiness ’s Steve Conrad, the script is currently being tinkered with by Craig Mazin ( The Hangover Part 2 ), with no director attached as yet. As well as starring, Bateman will also double-up as the film’s producer.
ID Theft will mark another step in on McCarthy’s rapidly ascending journey to A-list status. She recently bagged herself a role in Judd Apatow’s This Is Forty , has sold a comedy pitch to Paramount and is also set to host the next season of Saturday Night Live .
ID Theft is set to begin shooting in April 2012, once McCarthy’s hit TV show Mike And Molly goes on hiatus.
