Melissa McCarthy talks casting Susan Sarandon in 'Tammy'

Melissa McCarthy tells EW that Susan Sarandon is close to signing on to play her Grandma in Tammy, a comedy co-written by the Bridesmaids star and her husband, director Ben Falcone. McCarthy, 42, is set to play the titular main character "who's kind of falling apart and has to get out of town but her car is broken down" she says. "So she ends up on the road with her grandma, who has drinking problem for sure. They both have their issues they're not acknowledging and they're leaving town without knowing where they're going. I love that there's something that happens in a car with people where all bets off. You're off your rhythm, off your schedule, you're forced to be completely adaptable or die."

Originally Shirley MacLaine was attached to play the role of McCarthy's grandma, but the deal never came to fruition. "It didn't work out but I think it's meant to be," says McCarthy, of the now-likely casting of the 66-year-old Oscar winner. "It's Susan, Susan, Susan. We're putting together a cast that literally makes my head spin."

Production on Tammy is scheduled to begin on May 6. McCarthy's husband Ben, who gave a terrifically understated performance as Bridesmaids' air marshal, is currently scouting locations in North Carolina. "It's nuts!" McCarthy says of the couple getting to helm their dream project. "Probably twice a day we look at each other and go 'Is this happening?!' and it actually is. It seems like I've literally hit my head and don't know it yet."

McCarthy will next be seen on the big screen alongside Sandra Bullock in the buddy-cop comedy The Heat (in theaters June 28). In the meantime she'll return to host SNL on April 6.

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