Anna Kendrick, known for her roles in films like ‘Pitch Perfect’ and ‘Up in the Air,’ has been announced as the director for the upcoming Netflix adaptation of ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.’ This marks Kendrick’s second directorial venture following her work on ‘Woman of the Hour,’ a thriller about a woman who finds herself on a date with a serial killer.

About the Film

The film is based on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s 2017 bestselling novel, which follows a reporter named Monique Grant. Grant is tasked with interviewing the reclusive Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo, who is ready to reveal her life story after years of silence. The narrative explores Hugo’s rise to fame, her numerous marriages, and the secrets she harbors. The book has garnered a significant following, particularly on platforms like BookTok, where fans have speculated about potential casting choices.

While no official casting announcements have been made, fans have expressed interest in seeing Jessica Chastain in the role of Celia St. James, a red-headed starlet and Hugo’s rival. However, Chastain has publicly stated that she will not be taking on the role, expressing her excitement to watch the adaptation as a viewer.

Inspiration and Script Development

Author Taylor Jenkins Reid drew inspiration for the novel from iconic Hollywood figures such as Elizabeth Taylor, Ava Gardner, and Rita Hayworth. Reid was particularly influenced by Gardner’s posthumously published book, ‘The Secret Conversations,’ which sparked the idea of creating a fictional memoir of a Hollywood star.

The script for the film is currently being revised by Francesca Sloane, following an initial draft by Liz Tigelaar. As of now, there is no confirmed release date for the film.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.