Jessica Gunning wowed audiences around the world with her groundbreaking portrayal of Martha in the Netflix sensation Baby Reindeer.

However, news has just surfaced that there was another name in the mix for the role and I’m not sure how to feel about it.

According to a report by Variety, a source has claimed that agents for creator Richard Gadd (who also wrote and starred in Baby Reindeer as himself) “pushed aggressively” for Melissa McCarthy to play the leading role of Martha.

Can you imagine?

McCarthy reportedly wasn’t interested in the role

While McCarthy is known for her comedic roles such as her ones in Bridesmaids, The Heat and more, she has also shown her depth and more serious side in other roles such as Can You Ever Forgive Me? in 2018.

“A knowledgeable source says McCarthy met Gadd about the role but ultimately wasn’t interested,” the Variety report said.

“Those familiar with the production say Gadd micromanaged casting and fired his CAA agents after they and Netflix pushed aggressively for Melissa McCarthy to be cast as Martha.”

I don’t doubt that McCarthy would’ve been phenomenal in the role of Martha just like she nails every other character she’s portrayed, but Gunning’s casting was so perfect it’s hard to imagine the shoes being filled by anyone else.

Honestly, the way she brought so many layers to such a complex character was incredible.

About Baby Reindeer

Baby Reindeer has been met with high acclaim since the seven-episode series premiered on Netflix in April 2024.

Fiona Harvey (the woman claiming to be the real-life Martha) has since accused Gadd of lying in a tell-all interview with Piers Morgan.

Harvey has filed a $255 million lawsuit against Netflix, suing for defamation, negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress and more.

You can stream every episode of Baby Reindeer on Netflix (if you haven’t already).