Image Credits: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney
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Hollywood comedy icons Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone are bringing their signature humor to the world of scripted podcasts with the launch of Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire. Teaming up with Lemonada Media, McCarthy and Falcone have assembled an all-star voice cast for this eight-episode fictional comedy series, set to debut on October 25.
Melissa and Ben take on an adventurous ride
McCarthy, known for her roles in hit films like Bridesmaids and Spy, takes the lead as Hildy, a barback tasked with saving the fantastical land of Golgorath from destruction. The plot, which blends McCarthy’s comedic timing with a fantasy twist, promises to be an entertaining adventure. “When an evil force threatens to incinerate Golgorath, Hildy and her friends must embark on an epic quest to save the world. Expect dragons, magic, and plenty of laughs,” the official logline teases.
Falcone, McCarthy’s husband and frequent collaborator, also lends his voice to the series as Urgrall the Horned One, joining a star-studded cast that includes Octavia Spencer, Glenn Close, Allison Janney, Joel McHale, and Jim Rash. Spencer narrates the tale, while Close plays the announcer. Janney voices Gorwan the Dragon, McHale brings Dra-ell the Usurper to life, and Rash portrays Drith. McCarthy and Falcone’s daughters, Vivian and Georgette Falcone, will also make their voice-acting debut as the Oracle of Two, a role that has fans excited to hear this family collaboration.
Lemonada Media, known for its cutting-edge podcasts, has high hopes for Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire. “Melissa and Ben’s ability to combine heartfelt humor with fantastical storytelling will make this podcast a must-listen for comedy and fantasy lovers alike,” Lemonada Media’s co-founder said in a statement.
The first two episodes will be available on all major podcast platforms starting October 25, with new episodes rolling out every Friday. As podcasting continues to grow as a medium, this venture is the latest example of A-list Hollywood stars embracing the format to reach broader audiences.
For McCarthy and Falcone, who have worked together on numerous projects including Superintelligence and Thunder Force, the transition to the audio space seems like a natural evolution. Hildy the Barback and the Lake of Fire is poised to become another feather in the cap of this comedy power couple, combining family fun, fantasy, and laugh-out-loud moments.