Anna Kendrick is stepping behind the camera again. The actress and filmmaker is set to direct Netflix’s long-awaited adaptation of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo after years of development delays and changes.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo marks the second of Taylor’s novels to receive a major screen adaptation.
Her book Daisy Jones and The Six was adapted into an Amazon limited series in 2023, inspired by the story behind Fleetwood Mac’s legendary album Rumours.
Anna Kendrick Directing
The news comes as Anna Kendrick continues to build her reputation as a filmmaker following her directorial debut, Woman of the Hour. Kendrick is best known to audiences for her performances in the Pitch Perfect franchise and The Twilight Saga.
Deadline reported that Anna will helm the adaptation of Reid’s hugely popular novel, which centers on fictional Old Hollywood screen icon Evelyn Hugo. The story follows the aging star as she grants a final interview to an unknown journalist, revealing the truth behind her seven marriages and decades of secrets, scandals, and heartbreak.
Casting Rumors
The adaptation has become one of Netflix’s most anticipated literary projects, with readers of the novel frequently debating potential casting choices online.
Jessica Chastain was long considered a fan-favorite choice to portray Evelyn. However, Jessica previously dismissed speculation surrounding the role. She said there was “zero possibility” of her playing the character.
No casting announcements have been made as of yet.
Behind the Scenes
The project has been in development since Netflix acquired the rights in 2022, but it has struggled to move forward. Filmmakers Maggie Betts and Leslye Headland were previously attached to direct before departing the project.
Liz Tigelaar, whose previous credits include Tiny Beautiful Things and Little Fires Everywhere, wrote the initial screenplay adaptation.
Francesca Sloane, whose work includes Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Atlanta, Fargo, and the upcoming third season of Big Little Lies, is currently revising the script.
Taylor Jenkins Reid will executive produce the adaptation alongside Margaret Chernin.
Producers attached to the project include Liza Chasin for 3Dot Productions and Brad Mendelsohn for Circle Management + Productions.
Kendrick’s Future Projects
For Anna Kendrick, the project represents another significant step in her directing career.
Her first feature behind the camera, Woman of the Hour, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023 before Netflix acquired the film in a reported eight-figure deal.
The thriller earned praise for its handling of the true-crime story and established Anna as a filmmaker in her own right, beyond her acting career.
Anna is also due to return to screens in Chris Rock’s forthcoming drama Misty Green and Lauren Miller Rogen’s comedy Babies.