Billie Eilish, 10-time Grammy winner and double Oscar recipient, is in advanced negotiations to make her feature film acting debut in a new adaptation of Sylvia Plath’s seminal novel, The Bell Jar, per deadline.com.
The project sees Eilish taking on the lead role of Esther Greenwood under the direction of Oscar winner Sarah Polley, whose previous credits include Women Talking and Away From Her. Polley is also penning the screenplay for the film, which has been secured by Focus Features for US distribution.
Originally published in 1963, Plath’s semi-autobiographical work follows a young woman’s struggle with mental illness and the stifling expectations of 1950s society. The novel remains a literary landmark, mirroring Plath’s own battles with depression before her death shortly after its UK release.
While Eilish has previously earned acclaim for a guest turn in the series Swarm, this marks her first transition into a leading cinematic role. Despite her status as a global music icon, there are currently no confirmed plans for the 24-year-old artist to provide original music for the soundtrack.
The production is a high-profile collaboration between Joy Gorman Wettels’ Joy Coalition, Plan B Entertainment and StudioCanal. This version follows several stalled attempts to bring the story back to the big screen, including previous attachments involving Julia Stiles and Kirsten Dunst.
With Polley at the helm and Eilish’s penchant for introspective, moody storytelling, the “hot package” is already generating significant industry buzz as it heads into production.
