Entertainment news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Anna Kendrick to helm Netflix adaptation of bestselling Evelyn Hugo novel
Developed over time first seen 2 months ago
Anna Kendrick is set to direct Netflix’s adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel *The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo*. Kendrick said she was excited about the project, which marks a further step in her move into directing.
Liz Tigelaar wrote the screenplay, with revisions by Francesca Sloane; Jenkins Reid is an executive producer. Kendrick also recalled feeling panicked before her first directing job, until *Pitch Perfect* co-star Brittany Snow encouraged her to trust her instincts. She said *Pitch Perfect* later helped her get projects made, while its “Cups” song reached more than 2.5 million digital downloads, over 600 million YouTube views and No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Sources
- 2
- Outlets
- 2
- Left · Centre · Right
- 0 · 0 · 0
In short
- Anna Kendrick will direct Netflix’s *Evelyn Hugo* adaptation.
- The screenplay is by Liz Tigelaar, with revisions by Francesca Sloane.
- Kendrick credits *Pitch Perfect* with helping her career.
How this story developed
- 2 months ago Kendrick reflected on her experience with anxiety ahead of her directorial debut, crediting "Pitch Perfect" co-star Brittany Snow with offering crucial encouragement to trust her creative instincts.
- 2 months ago Speaking at the Zurich Film Festival masterclass, Kendrick expressed enthusiasm for the project whilst highlighting how her ensemble experience with "Pitch Perfect" has shaped her approach to directing.
- 2 months ago Anna Kendrick has been appointed to direct Netflix's film adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid's bestselling novel "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo," with a screenplay by Liz Tigelaar and revisions by Francesca Sloane.
Full account
Anna Kendrick took to the stage at the Zurich Film Festival for an extended masterclass, where she discussed her evolving career during the European premiere of the comedy film Babies. Moderated by Max Loong, the conversation spanned from Kendrick's formative years in Maine through her trajectory as an actor, encompassing her Oscar-nominated role in Jason Reitman's comedy-drama, her work on the musical ensemble piece Pitch Perfect, and her recent venture into directing.
The actress used the platform to discuss her forthcoming directorial project: a Netflix adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid's bestselling novel The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Announced in June, the project marks Kendrick's second directorial feature following Woman of the Hour in 2023. The screenplay has been crafted by Liz Tigelaar, with revisions from Francesca Sloane, whilst Reid herself maintains involvement as an executive producer on the venture.
Kendrick reflected extensively on her early acting career, describing how low self-confidence during auditions paradoxically enabled her most successful performances. She recalled approaching a prominent role with the assumption she would not secure it, which liberated her to take creative risks and deliver an unconventional audition that ultimately impressed casting directors. She also disclosed her initial nervousness about directing, explaining that reassuring counsel from Pitch Perfect co-star Brittany Snow, who had similarly navigated her first directorial project, proved invaluable in steadying her resolve.
In discussion of Pitch Perfect, Kendrick emphasised how the 2012 musical comedy experienced a renaissance through television syndication on HBO during the early streaming period, rather than achieving immediate box-office success. She elaborated on the surprising phenomenon of the Cups song, which became an unexpected viral sensation with over 2.5 million digital downloads and hundreds of millions of combined online views, whilst reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. She expressed profound gratitude for the enduring bonds formed with her ensemble cast members, describing their relationships as familial and mutually supportive.
Where outlets differ
From the full account, which is AI-written from the sources:
Source 1 emphasises Kendrick's unconventional approach to early auditions and her Oscar-nominated performance, focusing on how self-doubt enhanced her performances. Source 2 prioritises the announcement and details of her Netflix directorial project.
Source 1 discusses her experience working with George Clooney and being repeatedly offered similar roles throughout her career. Source 2 does not mention these topics.
Source 2 provides extensive detail about Pitch Perfect's commercial success and viral moment with the Cups song, including specific streaming and chart figures. Source 1 mentions the film only in passing without this depth.
Source 1 appears incomplete, cutting off mid-sentence regarding her career decisions. Source 2 provides a complete narrative arc.
Explained simply
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a bestselling 2017 novel by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It tells the story of a retired Hollywood star who reveals the secrets and relationships of her glamorous past. The book became widely popular and has sold millions of copies, making it an appealing project for film and television adaptation.
Anna Kendrick is an American actress best known for starring in the Pitch Perfect film series. She has gradually moved into directing work in recent years, taking on roles behind the camera. This Netflix adaptation marks another significant step in her development as a director.
Coverage · 2 sources
Celebrity Entertainment Europe Film Music Space Technology TV World