Leslye Headland Tapped to Direct Netflix’s “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” Adaptation
In an exciting development for fans eagerly awaiting Netflix’s adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” industry sources have revealed that Leslye Headland has been chosen as the director for the highly-anticipated project. The screenplay has been expertly crafted by Liz Tigelaar, with Liza Chasin and Brad Mendelsohn taking on production duties for 3Dot Productions and Circle of Confusion, respectively. Jenkins Reid and Margaret Chernin will serve as executive producers.
Since its release, the novel has enjoyed an impressive run on the New York Times Bestseller Paperback list, having spent a remarkable 120 weeks there. Furthermore, it has become a sensation on TikTok, captivating readers and sparking countless discussions before Netflix secured the rights. The story revolves around Evelyn Hugo, a legendary Hollywood actress, who grants a long-awaited interview to a young journalist. During the interview, Hugo peels back the layers of her life, unveiling shocking truths about her seven marriages, as well as the scandals, betrayals, and personal struggles that plagued her career and the lives of those around her.
The project has garnered significant attention from prominent directors in the industry, with many vying for the opportunity to helm it. For Headland, this marks a major triumph, particularly as she recently wrapped up production on the highly-anticipated Star Wars series, “The Acolyte.” The series generated considerable buzz at the recent Star Wars Celebration event in London, following the screening of early footage.
Headland’s ascent in the industry began with her work on television shows like “Black Monday” and “Smilf” at Showtime. She also directed notable feature films such as “Bachelorette” and “About Last Night” before her breakthrough as the showrunner for Netflix’s hit series, “Russian Doll.” The show’s tremendous success not only solidified her reputation as a talented writer and showrunner but also allowed her to showcase her directing skills through multiple episodes. Building on this achievement, she joined forces with Lucasfilm to create “The Acolyte,” where she serves as the creator, showrunner, writer, and executive producer.
Headland’s multi-year overall deal with the Disney-owned studio provides her with the platform to develop and direct series for various networks, cable channels, and streaming platforms. Additionally, she recently served as an executive producer and director for Freeform’s “Single Drunk Female.”
Meanwhile, Tigelaar, the creator and showrunner of “Tiny Beautiful Things,” continues to make her mark in the industry with her compelling storytelling and unique vision.
