Amanda Seyfried Stars as Religious Icon in Upcoming Musical Ann Lee

The Oscar Nominee Tackles a Bold New Role as the Female Christ in Mona Fastvold’s Epic Film

The creative minds behind the Golden Globe-nominated The Brutalist have quietly wrapped production on their latest venture, Ann Lee, a star-studded musical featuring Oscar nominee Amanda Seyfried (Mank) in the title role. Directed by Mona Fastvold (The World To Come), this ambitious film is inspired by the extraordinary true story of Ann Lee, a pioneering religious leader who founded the Shaker movement in the 18th century.

Co-written by Fastvold and her Brutalist collaborator Brady Corbet, the film is described as “an epic fable” that delves into Lee’s life as the proclaimed “female Christ” and her journey to establish one of the most prominent utopian societies in American history. Known for their worship through ecstatic song and dance, Lee and her followers brought a unique and influential spiritual presence to early America after emigrating from England in 1774.

Seyfried, fresh from her Golden Globe and Emmy wins for The Dropout, headlines an impressive cast that includes Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Christopher Abbott, Tim Blake Nelson, Stacy Martin, and others. Ann Lee marks Seyfried’s first musical since Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again in 2018, showcasing her versatility in a dramatically different register. She previously showcased her singing chops in Les Misérables.

The film’s music is composed by Golden Globe-nominated Daniel Blumberg (The Brutalist), who has crafted an original score to match the story’s vibrant themes of faith and community. The production team features a powerhouse lineup, including Andrew Morrison, Joshua Horsfield, Viktoria Petranyi, and Mark Lampert, alongside Fastvold and Corbet. The executive and co-producers span a diverse international roster, adding to the film’s global appeal.

Fastvold’s previous work, The World To Come, earned critical acclaim at Venice, where it won the Queer Lion. With Ann Lee, she continues to explore bold narratives and complex characters. The film is slated for a 2025 release, with distribution details yet to be finalized.

Seyfried is also set to appear in other major projects, including Paul Feig’s The Housemaid alongside Sydney Sweeney and the Peacock limited series Long Bright River, where she will both executive-produce and star.

Ann Lee promises to be a profound cinematic experience, blending history, music, and the compelling story of one of history’s most enigmatic female figures.