When you’re an active participant on the internet, there’s no doubt that you’ll be made privy to the latest products and trends doing the rounds.
In fact, there was one must-have item that social media couldn’t get enough of—a book called The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo.
Appearing on every platform’s feed, in podcasts and book recommendations, Taylor Jenkins Reid’s massive best-seller garnered so much attention online that just about every one’s read the page turner cover-to-cover by now.
And for those craving more from the novel, well, Netflix has answered your prayers. According to Deadline, The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo is being adapted into a film by the streaming giant.
The announcement also came through the Netflix Film Instagram, where it confirmed that the novel will be turned into a film, rather than a limited series.
Interest piqued? Below, everything we know about Netflix’s The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo film—from the plot and rumoured cast to the suspected release date.
Main image via @libraryofholly.
What Is The Plot Of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?
In the previously-mentioned Netflix Film Instagram post, along with announcing the news of the film adaption, they also shared a small synopsis on what the storyline of the movie will cover.
“This hugely popular tale centres around reclusive Hollywood legend Evelyn Hugo, who chooses an unknown reporter, Monique Grant, to tell her life story,” the caption reads.
“Evelyn recounts her time in the Golden Age of Hollywood, her rise to fame, and her seven marriages—revealing stunning secrets and lies. But through it all one question remains: Why has she chosen Monique for her final confession?”
While it’s a riveting story about Evelyn’s many husbands, those who’ve already read the novel will know that the protagonist is actually bisexual and makes direct indications of her sexuality in several points throughout the book.
In fact, it’s also widely known that The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo was loosely inspired by the real life of Hollywood actress Elizabeth Taylor, who was famously married eight times to seven different men. While others believe it was based on actress Ava Gardner, who chose to share her life story with journalist Peter Evans in her book Ava Gardner: The Secret Conversations.
As per Deadline, screenwriter Liz Tigelaar will be “adapting” the novel into a film, which is thrilling since her previous credits include Little Fires Everywhere and The Morning Show.
Who Will Be Cast In Netflix’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo?
Of course, we currently don’t know which famous faces will be taking to the screen to play Evelyn Hugo and friends. But given that present day Evelyn is 79 years old in the book, it’s an opportunity for a mature actress still actively in the industry to flex their talents. As for Evelyn’s younger self, the role could either go to one of Hollywood’s current leading ladies or perhaps a new face on the scene.
Plenty of people thought Jessica Chastain might be cast in a lead role, either as the titular Evelyn Hugo or her long-time love, Celia St. James (who is described as having “long strawberry-red hair with golden undertones”). However, a TikTok video of Chastain (nicely) refusing to sign a fan’s Evelyn Hugo book seemed to confirm that she wasn’t in talks for the movie.
“I can’t sign it because I’m not doing it,” she says in the TikTok video.
Later, Chastain took to Twitter to further clarify why she didn’t sign it.
“I’ve been asked multiple times by fans, to sign books that I’m not attached to contractually. Because it feels wrong, and like I’m taking credit for someone else’s work, I’ll say I can’t sign because I’m not doing it. That doesn’t mean I’ve read a bad script,” she said.
“I know how excited many you are about adaptations. Please dont read too much into a video. There is no news about anything. Except that I’m onstage [in the Broadway production of A Doll’s House] until June 10th. Hope to see you.”
When Will The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Film Be Released?
Since the news about the adaption has just dropped, there’s no word yet on a release date since filming is yet to start. Bet fret not, keep your eyes peeled here for updates.
In the meantime, if you haven’t read Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo already, then be sure to get your hands on a copy below:
The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, $14.95 at Booktopia.
