...because she's been cast in a Hollywood movie

Urzila Carlson has cancelled her run at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival after being cast in a Hollywood movie.

The South African-born, New Zealand comedian has landed a role opposite Amy Schumer in the romcom Kinda Pregnant.

It means her season in Melbourne - where she regularly wins the People's Choice award for selling the most tickets - has been pulled just days before it was due to start on Thursday.

She said: 'Melburnians I have some news that will come as a huge shock, surprise or delight to some of you, much like when your parents got divorced. And I want you to know this is not your fault either. 

'I have had a fantastic opportunity come up — I didn’t mean for it to happen, we met at work — meaning I must go to the US and film a movie. That’s very exciting for me, but unfortunately, it means I have to cancel my Melbourne International Comedy Festival run.  Please go and see other shows and support the festival…

'I will always love you and again this is not your fault but you have to stay strong, look after your sister and keep your chin up.'

Details of her role in Kinda Pregnant have not been released, but it revolves around Schumer's character Lainy, who becomes jealous over her best friend’s pregnancy so begins to wear a fake baby bump. The cast also includes Will Forte, Damon Wayans Jr. and SNL's Alex Moffat.

Carlson also lends her voice to the upcoming animation Ozi: Voice of the Forest, produced by Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by UK filmmaker Tim Harper.

Published: 24 Mar 2024