The literary world has been utterly captivated by a novel that exploded onto the scene, penned by a young, previously unknown journalist. Tasked with crafting the definitive biography of the notoriously private Old Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo, who vanished from public life decades ago, the narrative promised a potent blend of scandal, forbidden romance, and devastating betrayal. Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has, by all accounts, delivered precisely that.
The book’s meteoric rise, amplified by its viral status on BookTok in 2022, paved the way for a significant announcement later that same year: Netflix had secured the rights to adapt this runaway bestseller for the silver screen. Fast forward four years, and the film adaptation has finally landed a new director – a development met with cautious optimism, given the project’s tumultuous journey.
The path to this point has been anything but straightforward. The adaptation has been plagued by delays and a constant churn of creative talent, making the recent news of a confirmed director a cause for genuine celebration. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of everything we know about the much-anticipated film.
From Series Dreams to Silver Screen Reality
Before Netflix took the reins, the project initially embarked on a different trajectory. In 2019, it was in development as a television series for Freeform, with Ilene Chaiken (known for The L Word) and Jennifer Beals attached as executive producers. This prospect ignited fervent hope among many devoted fans, who envisioned each of Evelyn’s seven marriages receiving its own dedicated episode.
However, this dream was officially shelved in 2022 when Netflix intervened, announcing its intention to adapt the story as a feature film. This pivot immediately sparked a lively debate across the internet. The central question loomed large: how could decades of intricate Old Hollywood lore, seven distinct marriages, and a significant, jaw-dropping plot twist be condensed into the confines of a standard two-hour runtime without sacrificing the essence of the story? The answer remains elusive, but only time will tell if the filmmakers can achieve this monumental task.
A Director’s Carousel: Navigating Creative Shifts
Netflix’s initial foray into bringing The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo to the screen saw Leslye Headland (creator of Russian Doll) at the helm. Unfortunately, Headland reportedly stepped away from the project due to a combination of scheduling conflicts and evolving creative development. In an interview, she acknowledged the project’s immense potential, stating, “It’s one of those things where you know it’s going to be a huge success. I thought, ‘Damn it. It’s not going to work out with me involved in it, but it is going to be wildly successful’.”
Following Headland’s departure, Maggie Betts (director of The Burial) was appointed in early 2025 to take over. However, Betts too eventually exited the project, reportedly due to further development changes as the adaptation continued to evolve. The directorial turnover is not the only creative shift. Reports from Deadline indicate that Liz Tigelaar, the acclaimed scribe behind Little Fires Everywhere, penned the initial draft of the screenplay. Netflix has since enlisted Francesca Sloane (known for Mr. & Mrs. Smith) to handle the crucial revisions.
Enter Anna Kendrick: A New Vision
The latest, and hopefully final, director to take on the challenge is the talented Anna Kendrick. This appointment follows her directorial debut with Netflix on Woman of the Hour, a true-crime drama that garnered significant critical acclaim, achieving a remarkable 91% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and becoming a hit for the streaming platform.
Kendrick famously made headlines when she donated her entire salary from Woman of the Hour to organisations supporting abuse survivors, expressing discomfort with profiting from a true-crime narrative. While Kendrick has undoubtedly proven her directorial prowess, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo presents a distinctly different canvas. Audiences will be eager to see if she can successfully translate the novel’s unique blend of glamour, drama, and emotional depth to the screen.
The Million-Dollar Question: Casting the Icon
With a director now firmly in place, production is officially ramping up, bringing the prospect of casting news tantalizingly close. While official announcements are yet to be made, the internet has been abuzz with fan-castings and popular choices for the iconic roles.
For the pivotal role of Celia St. James, Jessica Chastain is a widely favoured choice for portraying her middle-aged years. For younger iterations of Celia, Anya Taylor-Joy and Hannah Dodd (from Bridgerton) have frequently been pitched.
The legendary Evelyn Hugo herself has also sparked considerable discussion. Rita Moreno is a strong fan favourite to embody the elder Evelyn, while Sofia Vergara and Ana de Armas are frequently tipped by fans to portray her younger, more ambitious years.
And then there’s Monique Grant, the ambitious journalist who anchors the entire narrative. Nathalie Emmanuel, Jurnee Smollett, and Tessa Thompson are among the names that consistently appear in fan discussions for this crucial role.
A definitive release date for The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has not yet been set. However, with Anna Kendrick now at the helm, the hope is that further updates regarding casting and production will follow swiftly. The anticipation for this adaptation is palpable, and fans are eagerly awaiting every next piece of news.
Feature image: Getty.
