Anna Kendrick to direct film adaptation of LGBTQ book ‘Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’
Anna Kendrick is taking the director’s chair for the film adaptation of the bestselling LGBTQ-themed novel “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.”
Kendrick’s directorial involvement was confirmed by Deadline on Monday, June 1, with other international outlets validating the report.
The film adaptation is based on author Taylor Jenkins Reid’s 2017 historical fiction novel, which became a global hit through BookTok and online reading communities.
The story follows aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo as she recounts her rise to fame, her seven marriages, and her secret lifelong romance with fellow actress Celia St. James during Hollywood’s Golden Age.
The novel has been praised for its LGBTQ representation, particularly its portrayal of bisexuality and same-sex relationships in old Hollywood. It was also nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Historical Fiction in 2017 and has sold more than 1 million copies worldwide.
READ: Christian Bables, Iñigo Pascual, Elijah Canlas headline new queer film
Kendrick, meanwhile, made her film debut in the 2003 musical comedy “Camp” and had a supporting role in the “Twilight” film series.
She later gained wider recognition through such movies as “Pitch Perfect,” “A Simple Favor” and “Up in the Air.” She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the latter.
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” marks Kendrick’s second directorial project following her directorial debut, “Woman of the Hour,” a critically acclaimed Netflix crime thriller in which she also starred.
Netflix first announced plans to adapt “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” into a film in 2022. The project previously went through multiple creative changes after earlier directors reportedly exited the adaptation.
No details regarding cast members and release date have been announced as of this writing. /ra
