Anna Kendrick is bringing her acclaimed directorial talents to Netflix’s most coveted literary adaptation. The actress-director has been tapped to helm “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” the bestselling Taylor Jenkins Reid novel that took BookTok by storm. This is Kendrick’s second film for Netflix, following her successful 2024 directorial debut “Woman of the Hour,” which Netflix acquired for $11 million.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: Key Details
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Based On | Taylor Jenkins Reid’s 2017 Bestseller |
| Director | Anna Kendrick |
| Screenwriter | Liz Tigelaar (Little Fires Everywhere) |
| Script Revisions | Francesca Sloane (Mr. & Mrs. Smith) |
| Executive Producer | Taylor Jenkins Reid (Author) |
| Producers | Liza Chasin, Brad Mendelsohn, David Hinojosa |
| Status | Pre-Production/Getting Ready to Enter Production |
| Release Date | TBD (No Timeline Announced) |
The Kendrick Effect: A Masterful Director Takes the Helm
Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut “Woman of the Hour” was a triumph—a carefully balanced blend of black comedy and thriller elements that earned critical acclaim (91% on Rotten Tomatoes, 74 on Metacritic). Netflix clearly wants more. After acquiring the streaming rights to “Woman of the Hour” at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival for an impressive $11 million, the streamer worked diligently to secure Kendrick’s next directing project.
According to industry reports, Netflix reviewed multiple scripts but “Evelyn Hugo” emerged as the perfect match. The project represents exactly what both Netflix and Kendrick are looking for: prestige storytelling with commercial appeal and emotional depth.
Kendrick brings her signature touch—intelligent, character-driven narratives with dark humor—to Reid’s complex tale of Old Hollywood glamour and family secrets.
BookTok’s Biggest Page-Turner Gets the Screen Treatment
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” became a phenomenon on BookTok, captivating readers with its intricate plot about a reclusive Hollywood legend. Published in 2017, the novel has sold millions of copies worldwide and sparked countless fan theories about Evelyn Hugo’s true identity and hidden relationships.
The story follows a young journalist named Monique Grant who lands an exclusive interview with aging, iconic starlet Evelyn Hugo. During their tell-all conversation, Evelyn pulls back the curtain on her seven marriages, revealing shocking truths about Hollywood scandals, betrayals, and secrets that could shake the entertainment industry to its core.
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A Star-Studded Creative Team Behind the Scenes
Liz Tigelaar, best known for creating “Little Fires Everywhere,” has penned the screenplay with current revisions by Francesca Sloane (Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Atlanta, Fargo). This dream-team writing approach suggests Netflix is taking no chances with the adaptation.
The production team includes Liza Chasin (3Dot Productions), Brad Mendelsohn (Circle Management + Productions, who also produced Amazon’s “Daisy Jones & The Six”), and David Hinojosa (Babygirl, Past Lives). Author Taylor Jenkins Reid herself is executive producing, ensuring her vision translates faithfully to screen.
The Long Road to Production
The journey of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” to screen has been unconventional. Originally announced in March 2022 with director Leslye Headland attached, the project went through directorial changes when Maggie Betts (Novitiate) took over, before she ultimately exited. With Kendrick now locked in, the film finally has creative stability.
This is now the third director attached to the project—and seemingly the right one. Kendrick’s reputation for meticulous, emotionally intelligent filmmaking perfectly suits the novel’s nuanced exploration of identity, love, and legacy.
According to film adaptations on Wikipedia, successful book-to-screen transitions require directors who understand both visual storytelling and source material reverence. Kendrick has already proven she possesses both skills.
What’s Next: Casting and Production Timeline
No casting announcements have been made yet, but fans have been “fancasting” for years. Major characters include Evelyn Hugo herself, her various husbands, and journalist Monique Grant. The film is getting ready to enter production, with more announcements expected soon.
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