Anna Kendrick takes over directing duties after multiple filmmaker changes, bringing fresh momentum to the long-awaited film version of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel.
Netflix has officially tapped Anna Kendrick to direct the film adaptation of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. The news broke on June 1, 2026, confirming that the 40-year-old actress and filmmaker will helm the project after two other directors left the production.
This marks Kendrick’s second time directing a feature film for Netflix. Her first, Woman of the Hour (2023), earned strong reviews with a 91% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The book has sold over 24 million copies worldwide and is available in 43 languages.
Why Anna Kendrick Is Now Directing the Evelyn Hugo Movie
Netflix first announced plans to adapt The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo back in March 2022. At that time, Leslye Headland (co-creator of Russian Doll) was set to direct.
The project later moved to Maggie Betts as director. Both Headland and Betts eventually left for reasons that have not been made public.
Kendrick now takes over as director, giving the stalled adaptation new life. The streaming service confirmed that the film is preparing to enter production soon.
Taylor Jenkins Reid, who wrote the original novel, will serve as an executive producer on the film.
What Is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo About?
The story follows a young journalist named Monique Grant who lands a rare interview with Evelyn Hugo, a famous Hollywood star from old Tinseltown who has stayed out of the public eye for decades.
During the meeting, Evelyn decides to reveal the real story behind her seven marriages. She shares secrets about her career, her relationships, and the choices she made to become a star. The book covers decades of Hollywood history, from the 1950s to the present day.
The novel became a huge hit on BookTok (TikTok’s book community) and Bookstagram (Instagram’s book community), where fans created art, cosplay, and endless casting suggestions.
Who Is Writing the Script for the Netflix Film
The screenplay was first written by Liz Tigelaar. She is known for creating the Hulu series Little Fires Everywhere and working on Tiny Beautiful Things.
Francesca Sloane is now revising the script. Sloane co-created the Mr. & Mrs. Smith TV series for Amazon and has worked on Atlanta, Fargo, and the upcoming third season of Big Little Lies.
No Casting Announced Yet – Fan Favorite Actors Mentioned
As of June 2026, Netflix has not announced any casting for the film. No one has been chosen to play Evelyn Hugo, the reporter Monique Grant, or any of the seven husbands.
Fans of the book have spent years suggesting actors for the lead role. Because Evelyn Hugo is described as a Cuban-American actress with striking looks, fans have proposed names like:
- Ana de Armas
- Eiza González
- Sofia Vergara
- Salma Hayek
González has publicly said it would be an “honor” to play Evelyn. De Armas also said she would “love” the role.
For the character of Celia St. James, Evelyn’s rival and love interest, many readers wanted Jessica Chastain. The actress was asked about it on Watch What Happens Live in January 2023 and said, “Sure, send me a script.”
But Chastain later made it clear she was not involved. She said there was “zero possibility” of her playing the role.
Kendrick’s Directing Career and Upcoming Work
Before this project, Kendrick was best known for acting in the Pitch Perfect movies and the Twilight series. She made her directorial debut with Woman of the Hour (2023), a crime thriller based on a true story about a woman who met a serial killer on a dating show.
Netflix bought that film for a multimillion-dollar deal after it premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.
She continues to act while directing. Kendrick is currently filming Misty Green with Chris Rock for A24 and will appear in the comedy Babies directed by Lauren Miller Rogen.
Connection to Daisy Jones & the Six
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is the second of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s books to be adapted for the screen.
Amazon released Daisy Jones & the Six as a limited series in 2023. That show followed a fictional rock band in the 1970s and was loosely based on the story behind Fleetwood Mac’s famous album Rumours.
Reid wrote both novels, and they exist in the same fictional universe. Characters and locations sometimes cross over between her books.
Producers and Production Team
The film is being produced by:
- Liza Chasin for 3Dot Productions
- Brad Mendelsohn for Circle Management + Productions (the same company behind Daisy Jones & The Six)
- David Hinojosa (Babygirl, Past Lives)
Taylor Jenkins Reid and Margaret Chernin will executive produce.
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When Will the Movie Be Released?
Netflix has not set a release date for The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. With Kendrick now signed on as director, the project is expected to move into production soon. More updates about casting and filming are expected in the coming months.
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