Anna Kendrick is officially stepping into the director’s chair for Netflix’s long-awaited adaptation of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. The announcement marks a major turning point for the project, which has faced multiple delays since it was first revealed in 2022.
The film is based on Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel, a sweeping Hollywood drama that follows fictional icon Evelyn Hugo as she recounts her life, career, and seven marriages. With Kendrick now attached, the adaptation appears to be back on track after years of uncertainty.
A Major Creative Shift for the Adaptation
Netflix initially announced the film adaptation with a different creative team, including director Leslye Headland. However, Headland later confirmed in an interview with Variety that she was no longer involved with the project, leaving its future unclear for some time.
Kendrick’s involvement signals a fresh direction for the film. Known primarily for her acting roles, this project represents a significant step in her career as a filmmaker. Her transition behind the camera comes at a crucial moment for the adaptation, which has built a massive fanbase thanks to the novel’s popularity.
Production is being handled by industry names like Liza Chasin and Brad Mendelsohn, while Reid herself is attached as an executive producer. This ensures that the original story’s vision remains intact as it moves into development.
Why The Story Matters to Audiences
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo has become one of the most talked-about modern novels, especially among online communities. Although it was first published in 2016, the book saw a massive resurgence during the pandemic, largely fueled by BookTok recommendations.
The story centers on Evelyn Hugo, a reclusive Hollywood legend who reveals the truth behind her glamorous yet complicated life. Beyond her seven marriages, the novel explores themes of identity, fame, and hidden relationships, including a central queer romance that plays a key role in the narrative.
Its blend of old Hollywood drama and LGBTQ+ storytelling is one of the reasons it has resonated so strongly with readers. Fans have long awaited a screen adaptation that does justice to both its emotional depth and cultural themes.
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Personal Connection to the Story
The project also carries added significance due to Reid’s personal connection to the themes explored in the novel. In a 2025 interview with Time, the author opened up about her identity, confirming that she is bisexual.
“I am very private,”
Reid said, explaining why she had not spoken publicly about it earlier. She also shared how misconceptions about bisexuality affected her, noting,
“The messages about bisexuality were you just want attention… I found that very painful.”
This perspective adds another layer of authenticity to Evelyn Hugo’s story, particularly its portrayal of hidden relationships and societal pressures. With Reid serving as executive producer, fans are hopeful that the adaptation will stay true to these themes.
What Anna Kendrick Brings to the Project
Kendrick’s involvement is generating excitement not just because of her star power, but because of her ability to balance humor, drama, and emotional nuance. These qualities will be essential in bringing Evelyn Hugo’s complex story to life.
While she has not publicly detailed her vision for the film yet, her track record suggests a character-driven approach that aligns well with the source material. The story’s layered narrative, which shifts between past and present, will require careful direction to maintain its impact.
Her appointment also reflects a growing trend of actors moving into directing roles, particularly on high-profile streaming projects. For Netflix, this could be an opportunity to deliver a more intimate and performance-focused adaptation.
