Watch: Billie Eilish’s Transformation for Movie Debut in ‘The Bell Jar’ Will Hit You Hard
Billie Eilish was made for this role.
After all, the “What Was I Made For?” singer proved she can shed her pop star aesthetic while shooting The Bell Jar in Toronto Aug. 2.
On set, Eilish ompletely transformed into Esther Greenwood, the protagonist of the Sylvia Plath adaptation, donning a 1950s-inspired look complete with a short-sleeved red sweater, a blue and red grid skirt and delicate pearl earrings.
The 24-year-old’s typically colored hair—which was most recently jet black—was also dyed a subtle, natural-looking brown and pinned up on one side. Eilish’s typically nude lip was also swapped for a bold, bright red—fit for the period piece’s era.
While the Grammy winner has not shared any details on her latest career venture, her casting in the film, directed by Sarah Polley, was first reported in March. Carey Mulligan was later confirmed to be cast as Esther’s mom Mrs. Greenwood, while Heated Rivalry’s Connor Storrie and Ella Beatty are also rumored to be among the film’s ensemble.
The Bell Jar, based on the 1963 novel,follows 19-year-old Esther as she navigates an internship at a women’s magazine in the first summer after her freshman year of college. In tandem with her professional venture, Esther, an aspiring poet, finds herself spiraling into a severe depression and is eventually hospitalized.
Although the dramatic role marks Eilish’s feature film debut, her first foray into acting came back in 2023 with Donald Glover’s horror series Swarm. At the time, Eilish—who played cult leader Eva—called it a “dream.”
“I was on some management call, and I remember being told, ‘There’s this show, but it’s during a period of time where you’re not available. It’s a pass,’” Eilish recalled to Variety after appearing in the critically-acclaimed role. “I was like, ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa, what the f–k are you talking about?
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Indeed, the two-time Oscar winner admitted that before she started producing music with her brother Finneas, she initially thought she’d go into acting.
“It’s always been a deep thing,” Eilish explained, “that I’ve been reluctant to talk about because I thought I was really bad.”
But sheproved herself wrong with Swarm, and later teased that she saw more acting roles in her future. As she told Variety of acting, “I like it!”
For more stars who have had grand makeovers for roles, keep reading…
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