Kristen Bell has joined the growing cast of Universal Pictures' comedy Michelle Darnell, alongside Melissa McCarthy, Peter Dinklage and Kathy Bates. Melissa McCarthy stars as the title character, described as a "titan of industry," who goes to jail after she's caught for insider trading. Upon her release, she tries to re-brand herself, but soon discovers that not everyone is ready to forgive her, including those who she ripped off.

Kristen Bell is playing the title character's former assistant, a single mother trying to start her own cupcake business, who helps Michelle on her quest to create a new image. Kathy Bates is playing Michelle's wealthy and eccentric mentor whom the title character wants to emulate. Peter Dinklage is playing the primary antagonist, although no specific details were given regarding his character.

Melissa McCarthy's husband Ben Falcone is directing from a script they both co-wrote with their Groundlings collaborator Steve Mallory. Both Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone are also producing alongside Gary Sanchez Productions' Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Chris Henchy, with Kevin Messick serving as executive producer. Shooting is scheduled to begin next month.

Kristen Bell currently stars in Showtime's House of Lies. She will return next month to provide the voice of Anna from her animated blockbuster Frozen in the animated short film Frozen Fever, which will be attached to prints of Cinderella when it hits theaters March 13.