Anna Kendrick is trading in her acting chops for a director's chair, taking on the exciting role of helming Netflix’s adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s 2017 bestseller, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Announced on Monday, this thrilling news sends waves across both the film and literary worlds.
The adaptation is in good hands with Little Fires Everywhere creator Liz Tigelaar penning the screenplay, while Francesca Sloane works on current revisions. Producers Liza Chasin and Brad Mendelsohn are onboard, with Reid herself taking an executive producer role. This film follows Kendrick’s directorial debut with Woman of the Hour, which premiered on Netflix in late 2024.
“It’d be such an honor,” Eiza González said, expressing her enthusiasm for potentially joining the project. “I love the book. I love all [Reid’s] stuff. I’m a huge fan.”
The plot delves into the glamorous yet enigmatic life of Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo, who chooses rookie journalist Monique Grant to tell her life’s story. The novel reveals Evelyn’s rise to fame in Hollywood's golden age and the hidden truths behind her seven marriages, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into the star's secretive world.
While official casting decisions remain under wraps, fans are eagerly voicing their preferences, with names like Jessica Chastain, Ana de Armas, and Eiza González topping the wish list. Despite speculation, Chastain has already ruled out playing Celia St. James, though she praised the book's devoted fanbase.
This project is part of a larger trend, with several of Reid’s novels making their way to screens big and small. Upcoming adaptations include Carrie Soto is Back and Malibu Rising. Her work has captivated millions, cementing her status as a modern literary powerhouse.