Toni Colletteis finally making her directorial debut with an adaptation ofLily King’sWriters and Lovers.She is also serving as co-writer, along withThe Crown’sNick Payne. Collette brought the book to Topic Studios, which is backing the project, and she will produce it under her Vocab Films banner. Also joining the project as producers includeErin Brockovich’sSusannah Grant,Sarah Timberman,Michael Bloom,Maria ZuckermanandRyan Heller. Collette previously worked with Grant and Timberman on the Netflix seriesUnbelievable.
Released last year to rave reviews,Writers and Loversfollows Casey Peabody, an aspiring writer in the ’90s thrown into chaos by a recent affair and her mother’s death. Although it may be a while until the film hits theaters, this gives audiences a chance to binge Collette’s entire career in preparation (I recommend starting withMuriel’s Wedding).
On directing for the first time, Collette said in an official statement:
“I have been wanting to direct for quite some time but have been a bit busy with my day job. l couldn’t be more thrilled to be bringing Lily King’s beautiful, funny, moving novel to life. It’s an empowering story that speaks to me as a woman and an artist. It’s ultimately about coming to know and believe in oneself. This is not always an easy feat, but the most important journey any person can take. It inspires me on so many levels.”
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Collette has been on quite a roll lately — just in the past three years, she has given audiences a wealth of stellar performances and iconic moments. I could spend all day listing them, starting with her endlessly quotable monologue inHereditary, her freeing dance scene inKnives Out, as well as her Emmy-nominated work inUnbelievable. Thus, Collette’s turn to directing is highly anticipated for devoted followers, as the Academy Award-nominated actress has been a constant for over 30 years. Given her level of experience and her current rise in popularity,Writers and Loversis certainly one film to get excited about.
In addition toWriters and Lovers, Collette has a slew of other projects in development, including asci-fi thriller for NetflixstarringAnna KendrickandDaniel Dae Kim, andGuillermo del Toro’s next filmNightmare AlleywithCate Blanchett,Bradley CooperandRooney Mara.
Writers and Loversis set to start production later this year. We’ll keep you posted as new details about the project emerge.
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