**Get ready to relive your childhood, because Netflix is bringing a beloved classic to life!** The streaming giant recently announced it is developing a live-action adaptation of the iconic children’s book *Miss Nelson Is Missing*, and it couldn’t be more exciting. This delightful story revolves around a substitute teacher, Viola Swamp, who is nothing short of terrifying! Renowned actress Melissa McCarthy, known for her roles in *Bridesmaids* and *The Little Mermaid*, is set to step into the dual roles of both the kind-hearted Miss Nelson and her ominous counterpart, the strict Viola Swamp. The project is currently in the early stages of development, which adds to the anticipation!
In the narrative of *Miss Nelson Is Missing*, Miss Nelson mysteriously vanishes, leading her rowdy classroom to reflect on her absence. Her disappearance is a clever tactic to instill a sense of gratitude among her unruly students for their usual teacher, only to be replaced by the overly strict and witch-like Miss Viola Swamp. With this film, McCarthy will showcase her remarkable talent by embodying both characters, promising a range of emotions to delight audiences.
To bring this screenplay to life, Brad Copeland, known for his work on *Spies in Disguise* and *Ferdinand*, will be adapting the original story written by Harry Allard and illustrated by James Marshall, which first graced bookshelves in 1977. Should this movie resonate with viewers the way the book did, there’s potential for more adaptations, as sequels *Miss Nelson Is Back* and *Miss Nelson Has a Field Day* await in the wings, eager to be brought to the screen.
Adding to the excitement, acclaimed actress Reese Witherspoon is co-producing *Miss Nelson Is Missing* through her Hello Sunshine production company, partnering with Lauren Neustadter. Melissa McCarthy herself, along with her husband Ben Falcone via On the Day Productions, and producers Lawrence Grey of Grey Matter and Caroline Fraser from HarperCollins Productions, are also involved in making this project a reality.
As someone who grew up in the 1980s, I can’t stress enough how pivotal *Miss Nelson Is Missing* was for children of my generation. I distinctly remember owning a copy myself, and Scholastic made sure it was a staple at every book fair I attended. The wonderful characters created by Allard and Marshall easily stood alongside other favorites such as Ramona, The Berenstain Bears, *If You Give a Mouse a Cookie*, *The Snowy Day*, *Harold and the Purple Crayon*, and many others, all of which formed the foundation of childhood literature that many of us cherish today.
So, here’s a question for you: Are you old enough to recall the tales of *Miss Nelson Is Missing*? What’s your take on Melissa McCarthy taking on the roles of both Miss Nelson and Viola Swamp? Just imagine the spectacle of Miss Swamp’s extravagant makeup and prosthetics—how far do you think they will push the envelope? And speaking of adaptations, are there any other beloved children’s books you would love to see transformed into a live-action movie? Personally, I would be thrilled to see a *Little Critter* television series or a movie based on *Corduroy*. Share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below; I can’t wait to read what you think!
