A Novel That Captivated the Literary World
A novel that captured the attention of the literary world, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, tells the story of a young, unknown journalist who is chosen to write a tell-all biography about Evelyn Hugo, a reclusive Old Hollywood star who vanished from public life decades ago. The narrative is filled with scandal, forbidden love, and betrayal, making it a compelling read for many.
Following its viral success on BookTok in 2022, Netflix announced that it had acquired the rights to adapt the bestseller into a film. Four years later, the project has found a new director, and fans are hopeful this will be the one to stick.
A Turbulent Development Journey
The journey to bring the story to the screen hasn’t been smooth. Initially, the project was in development as a TV series on Freeform in 2019, with The L Word creator Ilene Chaiken and Jennifer Beals serving as executive producers. Many fans were excited about the possibility of an episode dedicated to each of the seven husbands. However, this dream ended in 2022 when Netflix took over and decided to adapt it into a film instead.
This shift sparked debate online. How could such a complex story, spanning decades of Old Hollywood lore, seven marriages, and a major plot twist, be condensed into a two-hour film without losing its essence? Only time will tell.
A Changing Crew of Directors
Netflix’s first attempt to bring the film to life began with director Leslye Headline (Russian Doll), but she stepped down due to scheduling conflicts and creative changes. She expressed confidence in the project’s success, even though she wouldn’t be involved.
Maggie Betts (The Burial) was then brought on to replace Headline in early 2025, but she too left the project, reportedly due to ongoing development changes. It’s not just directors who have changed; the writing team has also evolved. Liz Tigelaar, who wrote the initial draft of the screenplay, was replaced by Francesca Sloane (Mr & Mrs Smith) for revisions.
Anna Kendrick Steps In
Now, the project has found what many hope will be its final director: Anna Kendrick. Her previous work as a director on Woman of the Hour, a true-crime drama that received critical acclaim, has shown her talent behind the camera. Kendrick donated her entire salary from the film to abuse survivor organizations, acknowledging her discomfort with profiting from a true-crime story.
While Kendrick has proven her abilities, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo presents a different challenge. The story requires a blend of glamour, drama, and historical depth, and fans are eager to see if she can rise to the occasion.
Casting Speculation and Fan Favourites
With a director locked in, production is ramping up, and fans are anticipating casting announcements. While no official news has been released, the internet is buzzing with ideas.
For the role of Celia St James, Jessica Chastain is a popular choice for her middle-aged portrayal, while Anya Taylor-Joy and Hannah Dodd from Bridgerton are frequently suggested for a younger version. As for Evelyn Hugo herself, Rita Moreno is the fan favorite for the elderly version, with Sofia Vergara and Ana de Armas being top picks for her younger years.
Monique Grant, the journalist at the center of the story, has seen several names circulate, including Nathalie Emmanuel, Jurnee Smollett, and Tessa Thompson.
What’s Next?
A release date for The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has not yet been announced, but with Anna Kendrick now at the helm, fans are hopeful for more updates soon. The anticipation continues as the project moves forward, and everyone waits eagerly for the next chapter in this exciting adaptation.
