Watch: Anna Kendrick to Direct Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Film Adaptation
Anna Kendrick is stepping into a new role.
The Pitch Perfect alum—who previously made her directorial debut in 2023 with Woman of the Hour—is headed back behind the camera, signing on to direct Taylor Jenkins Reid’s 2017 novel, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, according to multiple outlets.
Leslye Headland was previously named as director of the film in 2023, however Variety reports she left the project for unspecified reasons.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo follows the titular character, an old time Hollywood star, as she gives her first—and what she says will be her last—major interview in decades, sharing never-before-heard details about her career and, you guessed it, her seven husbands. Over the course of the interview, the 79-year-old star reveals shocking secrets about her history—and why she chose previously small-time journalist to carry out the conversation Monique Grant.
Netflix picked up the rights to the best-selling book back in 2022, with Liz Tigelaar writing the first draft of the screenplay, but it isn’t until now that a director has been named to the project. And while Jenkins Reid has signed on to executive produce, no official casting information has been shared.
There have, however, been rumblings among fans as to who should step into Evelyn’s shoes. Among those named has been Eiza González, though the Three Body Problem actress remained coy over the rumors.
Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Searchlight
“Have I pitched myself? When did I pitch myself?” González said in conversation with E! News in March. “But I would love to. I love that book.”
“It’s incredibly smart and ahead of its time,” the Baby Driver alum continued. “It dives into real relationships and how complicated they are. I’ve been waiting for that to get adapted and hopefully be an amazing script. So, I’d be honored.”
After all, she and Jenkins Reid—whose book Daisy Jones and the Six was previously adapted for TV—have developed a friendship over the years.
Lionel Hahn/Getty Images; Amy Sussman/WireImage
“I love Taylor, the writer,” González continued. “I think she’s amazing. I read all of her books. We’re pen pals.”
In fact, their bond has developed so much over the years, that the 30-year-old has even gotten sneak peeks of Jenkins Reid’s books.
“She used to send me the books ahead of time, so I read them and give her my opinion,” González revealed. “I love her. I think she’s really talented.”
But while additional details on the Evelyn Hugo adaptation remain under wraps, read on for more information on your favorite books that are getting the small and big screen treatment.
Scribner/Simon & Schuster
Starring: Jennifer Garner, Angourie Rice, David Morse, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Judy Greer and Rita Wilson.
Premieres: February 20, 2026, on Apple TVWhy We’re Excited: The past always catches up—at least, that’s what Hannah Hall (Garner) and stepdaughter Bailey (Rice) are learning in real-time in season two of the acclaimed Apple series. Five years after the events of The Last Thing He Told Me, the duo have settled into their new normal without Hannah’s husband (and Bailey’s dad) Owen (Coster-Waldau), only for him to resurface right before a shocking family tragedy sets off a string of events that leads the duo in a race for their lives.
Gavin Bond/Netflix
Mike Marsland/WireImage; Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Gotham Film & Media Institute
Montlake
Starring: Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, Lauren Graham, Bradley Whitford, Lainey Wilson and Nicholas Duvernay.
Premieres: In theaters February 13, 2026
Why We’re Excited: After five years, Kenna returns to her hometown looking to reunite with her daughter. Instead, she finds solace in a local bar owner who remains one of the few who is willing to give her another chance. While the next few years see several of the best-selling novelist’s books hitting the screen, she’s a big part of bringing this book to life as she co-wrote the script with Lauren Levine.
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana DeBose, Bobby Cannavale, Simon Baker and Jake Cannavale
Premieres: March 11, 2026, on Prime Video
Why We’re Excited: If it’s based on a book and Kidman stars in it, we will binge the s–t out of it. (See: Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers, The Undoing and the fact that this is her second appearance on this list.) Add in that the Oscar winners will be playing crime-fighting sisters and it’s already become our favorite new show of the year.
Ballantine Books
William Morrow
Starring: Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer and Nicole KidmanPremieres: April 15, 2026, on Apple TV
Why we’re Excited: Is it really a limited series if it doesn’t have Kidman popping up in it? Thorpe’s book—following the daughter of a former Hooters waitress and a onetime pro-wrestler who turns to OnlyFans after becoming a single mom at 20—is already excellent on its own. But this casting has certainly placed this eight-episode series at the top of the must-watch list.
Grand Central Publishing/Hachette
Getty Images / Handout
Lionsgate
Premieres: In theaters November 20, 2026Why We’re Excited: On the same day Collins’ latest trip to Panem was announced, Lionsgate confirmed it would be adapting the much-anticipated story following a young Haymitch Abernathy—Peeta and Katniss’ famously haunted mentor in the 74th Hunger Games—during his winning battle in the 50th Games.
Lili Reinhart/Instagram
Starring: Lili Reinhart and Tom Bateman
Premieres: TBD
Why We’re Excited: The fake dating romance that sent #BookTok into a spiral is heading to the big screen. And the novel that has roots in fanfiction centered on Star Wars characters Rey and Kylo Ren is starring none other than Rey actress Daisy Ridley’s IRL husband Tom—joined by the Riverdale alum. And if that’s not a reason to be excited by what’s to come—or at least curious—we don’t know what is.
Doubleday
Based On: Holly Gramazio’s 2024 novel
Starring: Juno Temple
Premieres: TBD on Apple TV
Why We’re Excited: Prepare to meet more than one hundred husbands. Indeed, the story follows Lauren, who arrives home to be greeted by her husband Michael—only she has never seen him before in her life. A different husband soon takes his place, and she soon learns a seemingly-endless supply of spouses are coming from her attic. As she navigates this complicated romantic journey, key questions emerge, namely, what does she want from life and will she take the reins to get it?
Back Bay Books
Based On: Elin Hilderbrand’s 2023 novel
Starring: Jennifer Garner
Premieres: TBD on Peacock
Why We’re Excited: Hilderbrand is the queen of Nantucket beach read. Add in a megastar like Garner and its place in our queue is solidified. The Alias alum stars as Hollis, a food blogger whose life is turned update down by tragedy. As part of her healing journey, she resolves to host a “five-star” weekend with her closest pals—only for it to go awry as the cracks in her friendships deepen and game-changing secrets emerge. Yep, we are firmly seated.
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Starring: TBD
Premieres: TBD on Netflix
Why We’re Excited: While fans had to wait more than a decade for Meyer to release the retelling of Twilight from Edward Cullen’s POV, viewers will soon see an animated version of the story coming to their screens. And it’s safe to say catching a glimpse of an animated killer’s sparkly skin will be must-see TV.
Apple TV+
Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Drew Starkey, Annette Bening, Timothy Olyphant and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor
Premieres: TBD on Apple TV
Why We’re Excited: If seeing Anya and Drew leading the cast isn’t enough of a draw—and it should be!—the story itself is pretty thrilling, a young woman returning to the con artist life she was raised in an attempt to secure her future. And with Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine producing and a stellar supporting cast, we are already seated.
Berkley
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