Maya Rudolph Joins Melissa McCarthy In The Happytime Murders

Maya Rudolph is set to reunite with her Bridesmaids co-star Melissa McCarthy to investigate some puppet deaths. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Rudolph has signed on to the upcoming comedy The Happytime Murders, which comes from The Henson Company.

The Happytime Murders imagines a world where humans and puppets coexist, with puppets living as second-class citizens. The story specifically focuses on an alcoholic, disgraced puppet LAPD detective turned private eye who has to team up with his former human partner (McCarthy) to work together to find a killer targeting the cast of the classic 1980s puppet show The Happytime Game. 

There is no word on who Rudolph will play in the long-gestating project, which The Henson Company has been trying to get made since 2008. The actress, who is known for her appearances on Saturday Night Live, Inherent Vice, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, A Prairie Home Companion, Up All Night, and The Way, Way Back, will next appear on screen with McCarthy in the upcoming comedy Life of the Party.

Brian Henson, the son of Jim Henson, is set to direct The Happytime Murders based on a script from Todd Berger (Cover Versions), Dee Robertson (I Kill Flowers to Save the World), Erich and Jon Hoeber (RED), and McCarthy. McCarthy will also executive produce alongside her husband Ben Falcone, along with Jeffrey Hayes and Henson. Robertson, Lisa Henson and John W. Hyde will executive produce. STXfilms will distribute.

The Happytime Murders is set to be released on Aug. 17, 2018. While we wait, see some of the movies you have to look forward to this year.