The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: Much-anticipated Netflix adaptation gets disappointing production update

Taylor Jenkins Reid's bestselling novel, The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo, was shaping up to get adapted into a movie. Slated to be released in collaboration with Netflix, the highly anticipated film was set to be directed by Leslye Headland, who has previously directed The Bachelorette and co-created Netflix's Russian Doll.

However, an update on the film's production has disappointed fans, as Headland has now reportedly exited the crew and will no longer be a part of the project. Although no further details have been revealed regarding her exit, she did express her admiration for the book and wished the team her best. Speaking to Variety, she said:

I am no longer working on that project. I remain a huge, huge fan of the book and of the people working on it. It’s one of those things where you know it’s going to be a huge success. I thought, “Damn it. It’s not going to work out with me involved in it, but it is going to be wildly successful.” It is the type of book that if I’d read it in my twenties, I would have had a completely different life. It’s so beautifully done.

It is not yet known who will replace her, however, Taylor herself will serve as an executive producer, with Liz Tigelaar as the screenwriter.

What is The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo about?

One of the most popular books of the current generation, The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo is sort of a sapphic romance book, centered around Hollywood star Evelyn Hugo, who sits down for a tell-all interview and reveals all the details about her life and her career, spilling secrets and the stories of her seven marriages.

The book was a sleeper hit, picking pace in 2021 and entering bestseller lists, in contrast to its performance in 2017 when it was initially released. TikTok is to be credited for its favorable response, as it went viral on the social media app and became a fan favorite. Soon after, in 2022, it was revealed that an adaptation was in the works.

Not much has been disclosed about the film, even though fans have continued making their own versions of the castings. Jessica Chastain was a popular candidate for the role of Celia St. James- Hugo's girlfriend, and although the actress had teased that she would love to read a script for it, nothing has been confirmed as of yet.

Talking to Andy Cohen on his live show, she said,