The director of the new 'Ghostbusters' explains the most controversial character in the movie

Director Paul Feig has worked with Melissa McCarthy in three films, including "Bridesmaids," a breakout role for her. So it shouldn't come as a shock that when he began writing the script for the new all-female "Ghostbusters," he thought of the actress playing the outlandish member of the team, Patty Tolan.

But in a piece in Empire, Feig admits that during casting for the film, he changed his mind.

"When Katie [Dippold, Feig's co-writer] and I wrote the script, we had written the role with Melissa in mind, but then I thought I've seen Melissa play a brash, larger-than-life character. She's done it in my movies before!" Feig said.

That opened the door for "Saturday Night Live" cast member Leslie Jones to take the role. But the casting of the black comedian has resulted in outrage from some who claim the movie is stereotyping by putting the only star of color in the non-scientist, loudmouthed role. 

The Patty character is a New York City MTA worker who teams up with three scientists (played by McCarthy, Kirsten Wiig, and Kate McKinnon) to take on the rampant paranormal activity that's suddenly hit New York City.

Both Jones and Feig have gone on social media to defend the performance. Jones openly considered leaving Twitter after all the negative comments she's gotten on the platform.

Feig explained in the Empire interview why he thought Jones was a fit for the role originally conceived for McCarthy.

"This is the role that Leslie can shine comedically in," Feig said. "If you've ever seen her do stand-up, it's just who she is. I wanted to unleash Leslie on the public in the same way we unleashed Melissa on the public in 'Bridesmaids,' with a very showy role."

From the trailer it looks like it will be just that.

"Ghostbusters" opens in theaters July 15.

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