Anna Kendrick Set to Direct The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo for Netflix 

Anna Kendrick has been tapped to direct The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, giving new momentum to Netflix’s long-anticipated adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel.

The appointment marks another major step in Kendrick’s evolution behind the camera following her acclaimed directorial debut, Woman of the Hour. The project has experienced a lengthy development process, with filmmakers Maggie Betts and Leslye Headland previously attached to direct before departing the adaptation for undisclosed reasons.

Based on Reid’s 2017 bestseller, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo centers on an aging Hollywood icon who agrees to grant one final interview to an unknown journalist. Through a series of revelations, the reclusive star recounts the truth behind her seven marriages, career-defining scandals, betrayals and the hidden realities of life in the entertainment industry.

Netflix secured the rights to the novel in 2022, but the adaptation has faced a slow journey to production. While the project remains one of the streamer’s most eagerly anticipated literary adaptations, no casting announcements have been made.

Since the novel’s release, fans have frequently campaigned for Jessica Chastain to portray the glamorous and enigmatic Evelyn Hugo. However, the Oscar-winning actress previously dismissed speculation, stating there was “zero possibility” of her taking on the role.

The screenplay was initially adapted by Liz Tigelaar, known for her work on Tiny Beautiful Things and Little Fires Everywhere. Revisions are currently being handled by Francesca Sloane, whose credits include Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Atlanta, Fargo and the upcoming third season of Big Little Lies.

The film represents the second major Hollywood adaptation of a Taylor Jenkins Reid novel. The author’s book Daisy Jones & The Six was previously adapted into a limited series by Amazon Prime Video in 2023, earning critical acclaim and introducing a new audience to Reid’s work.

Reid will executive produce the adaptation alongside Margaret Chernin. Producing duties will be handled by Liza Chasin for 3Dot Productions and Brad Mendelsohn for Circle Management + Productions.

Kendrick remains best known to audiences for her performances in the Pitch Perfect series and the Twilight saga. Her directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, generated significant buzz when Netflix acquired the film in a major deal following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023.

The filmmaker is also set to return to screens in Misty Green, directed by Chris Rock, and Babies from Lauren Miller Rogen. With Kendrick now attached to direct, the long-gestating adaptation appears to be entering a new phase as Netflix looks to bring one of the most popular contemporary novels to the screen.

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