The movie is an adaptation of Israel's self-described "memoirs of a literary forger."
Back in the 1970s and 80s, Israel was an extremely successful magazine writer, interviewing big-name entertainment figures including Katharine Hepburn and cosmetics tycoon Estee Lauder.
After Israel's journalism career started to dry up, she resorted to criminal activities.
By 1992, the writer had started forging letters from deceased writers and actors.
When her forgeries raised suspicions, she eventually began stealing real letters and autographs of deceased stars from libraries.
After baffling authorities and forgery experts, Israel was arrested a year later and was sentenced to six months house arrest for conspiracy to transport stolen property.
Melissa McCarthy is seen filming 'Can You Ever Forgive Me' on January 23, 2017. Photo / Getty
The author died in 2014 and Fox Searchlight were quick to pick up the film rights for her memoirs.
The film version was originally set to star Julianne Moore but according to Variety, she dropped out of the project a few months later due to creative differences.
McCarthy was confirmed to play Israel in May last year.
Actress Melissa McCarthy in disguise on the set of her new movie. Photo / Getty
The usually stunning Melissa McCarthy was last seen at the People's Choice Awards where she won the award for 'Favourite Comedic Movie Actress.'
As well as her starring role in the upcoming biopic, the actress also had an extremely successful 2016.
Earning a whopping $33 million, Forbes named her the second highest earning actress of the year.
Melissa McCarthy poses at the People's Choice Awards 2017. Photo / Getty
She was only beaten by Jennifer Lawrence who earned a huge $46 million for her roles in movies The Hunger Games and Passengers.
