LIFE & CULTURE

Jennifer Lawrence Was “Born To Play” The Disgraced Elizabeth Holmes In ‘Bad Blood’ Film

From a Silicon Valley genius to a fallen startup CEO.

The story of Elizabeth Holmes and the Theranos scandal that put her on the world map is about to be unpacked on the big screen, thanks to Apple TV+.

For those who need a refresher, Holmes landed herself in the spotlight back in 2015, when Forbes named her the world’s youngest and wealthiest self-made billionaire because of her work as the Theranos CEO. As we know, the narrative that she wrote herself came crumbling down when it faced fraud claims. And now, it’s getting the movie treatment.

Directed by Don’t Look Up creator Adam McKay, the film has been aptly named Bad Blood and is inspired by John Carreyrou’s Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup.

With Jennifer Lawrence confirmed to take on the lead role, the film itself will explore Holmes’ quick rise and fall—from being a Silicon Valley genius to a fallen startup CEO.

Curious? Below, everything we know about Bad Blood—from the plot and the cast to the release date.

Elizabeth Holmes
(Credit: Getty Images)

What Is The Plot Of Bad Blood?

Based on the 2020 book by John Carreyrou, the writer also wrote and reported the Wall Street Journal story that helped break open Holmes’ Theranos scam and now, alongside Apple TV+, is turning his work into a movie.

As for what the film will be about? Bad Blood will centre around healthcare-tech entrepreneur Holmes and the launch of her company which quickly became valued at USD $9 billion, according to Forbes.

At the time, Holmes claimed that Theranos would revolutionise the way we looked at healthcare by utilising rapid blood testing methods to diagnose health conditions with a drop of blood rather than using multiple vials. Come 2015, and The Wall Street Journal dropped an exposé calling out the technological shortcomings and inaccuracies—with the equipment that Theranos created and promoted—as well as fraudulent behaviour from Holmes. But what does that mean? Basically, Theranos was a scam, the technology didn’t work and Holmes was exposed for fraud.

In fact, earlier in January, Holmes was actually found guilty of fraud and conspiracy by a federal jury in California. According to The New York Times, she was charged with 11 counts of fraud—three counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud—for claims the blood-testing company, Theranos, made to investors and patients. Each of the four charges carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

Who Is Cast In Bad Blood?

As many already know, a currently very pregnant Jennifer Lawrence is set to play the black-turtleneck-wearing Holmes in the film. Naturally, Lawrence’s impeccable acting ability makes her the perfect fit for the role.

In fact, the film’s director recently told Insider that Lawrence is currently working hard to perfect Holmes’ recognisable—and frequently fluctuating—speaking patterns in preparation for shooting Bad Blood.

“You know, I haven’t made her do it for me yet. She said she’s been working on it,” McKay told the publication. “She’s about to have a baby so I’m not going to bug her right now but she’s born to play that role.

“With the voice, she said she’s feeling it,” he said, adding, “She’s excited”.

For the rest of the cast, there is currently no additional information on which famous faces will join Lawrence onscreen, however, there is a chance McKay will continue to choose actors who he’s previously worked with. If so, an A-list cast line-up could include Christian Bale or Will Ferrell.

Jennifer Lawrence
(Credit: Getty Images)

When Will Bad Blood Be Released?

At the moment, there is no release date for Bad Blood as it’s still in production. And considering that Lawrence is ready to welcome her first child with husband Cooke Maroney, there’s a good chance the filming with come to a halt for a little while as she gets back on her feet. 

In the meantime, it’s the perfect chance to check out McKay and Lawrence’s Don’t Look Up, streaming on Netflix now.

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