Anna Kendrick has been hired to direct the Netflix film adaptation of the novel "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" [1].
The project marks a significant move for Netflix as it adapts one of the most popular contemporary novels of the last decade. Kendrick's appointment comes as the streaming giant seeks to translate the book's massive readership into a cinematic success.
Kendrick was selected for the role following the success of her directorial debut, "Woman of the Hour" [4]. The decision to bring her on board follows a period of instability for the production, as two previously attached filmmakers departed the project [3].
The film is based on the 2017 novel written by Taylor Jenkins Reid [1]. The story focuses on the glamorous and scandalous life of a fictional Golden Age Hollywood icon, weaving together a narrative of love, ambition, and hidden identity.
Netflix has not yet released a production timeline or casting details for the lead roles. The announcement of Kendrick's attachment to the project occurred this month [2]. This transition to directing represents a growing trend of established actors moving behind the camera to steer high-profile adaptations of best-selling literature.
Industry observers said that the adaptation has been highly anticipated by fans since the book's initial release. With Kendrick now at the helm, the project moves forward after the previous departures of two directors [3].
“Anna Kendrick has been hired to direct the Netflix film adaptation of the novel "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo".”
The appointment of Anna Kendrick suggests Netflix is prioritizing a director with a proven track record in character-driven storytelling over a veteran studio director. By choosing Kendrick after her debut success, the platform is betting on a fresh perspective to handle the complex narrative structure of Reid's novel, while finally stabilizing a production that had previously lost two directors.
