Billie Eilish: ‘The Bell Jar’ Film Role & New Projects – NME
Billie Eilish is in advanced talks to make her feature film acting debut in an adaptation of Sylvia Plath’s seminal novel, The Bell Jar, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sarah Polley. The news, first reported by Deadline, marks a significant step for the Grammy-winning artist and a compelling pairing with one of contemporary cinema’s most acclaimed directors. Eilish, 24, would play Esther Greenwood, the protagonist grappling with mental illness and societal expectations in Plath’s semi-autobiographical work.
From Concert Stages to the Silver Screen: Eilish’s Expanding Creative Portfolio
While primarily known for her music, Eilish’s foray into acting isn’t entirely unexpected. She previously appeared in the 2023 Prime Video series Swarm, co-created by Donald Glover, and has openly discussed a childhood dream of acting. As she shared during a 2021 Saturday Night Live monologue, “I used to say that I hated acting…But the truth is, when I was little I loved it! My mom and dad were both actors. So is my brother, Finneas. And it was my dream to be in a movie.” This upcoming role represents a substantial expansion of her artistic endeavors, moving beyond the recording studio and concert stage.
Polley, who won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for 2022’s Women Talking, brings a sensitive and critically lauded approach to the project. Her previous directorial work includes Take This Waltz and Away From Her, demonstrating a talent for nuanced character studies and emotionally resonant storytelling. She also penned the screenplay for the upcoming family drama &. Sons, further solidifying her position as a leading voice in independent cinema. Polley’s involvement lends significant weight to the adaptation, suggesting a thoughtful and respectful treatment of Plath’s complex narrative.
A Novel with a Fraught History: Previous Attempts at Adaptation
The Bell Jar, published just a month before Sylvia Plath’s tragic death in 1963, has long been considered a challenging work to adapt. The novel’s intensely personal and often disturbing exploration of mental illness requires a delicate touch. A previous film adaptation in 1979, starring Marilyn Hassett, received largely negative reviews. Several subsequent attempts to bring the story to the screen, with actors like Julia Stiles and Dakota Fanning attached, ultimately failed to materialize, highlighting the difficulties in capturing the novel’s essence. The Guardian notes the book is “a raw, unsettling book with flashes of brilliance.”
Focus Features and the Production Team
Focus Features is set to back and distribute the film in the U.S., signaling a commitment to bringing a prestige adaptation to audiences. The project is being produced by Joy Gorman Wettels (known for her work on Little House on the Prairie and 13 Reasons Why), Plan B Entertainment, and StudioCanal. Gorman Wettels initially originated the project through her company, Joy Coalition, and packaged it with Eilish and Polley before securing partnerships with Plan B and StudioCanal. This collaborative effort suggests a strong creative and financial backing for the film.
Why This Adaptation Feels Different
The current project distinguishes itself from previous attempts through the combination of Polley’s directorial vision and Eilish’s unique artistic sensibility. Eilish’s music often delves into themes of vulnerability, isolation, and mental health, resonating with the core themes of The Bell Jar. As The Hollywood Reporter points out, the material “feels like a good fit for dark pop queen Eilish, known for her soulful and introspective lyrics and songs.” While there are currently no plans for Eilish to contribute music to the film’s soundtrack, the possibility remains open.
Beyond The Bell Jar: Eilish’s Current Projects
This potential role isn’t Eilish’s only upcoming screen appearance. She is also featured in Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live In 3D), a concert film directed by James Cameron, originally slated for a March 20th release but now pushed back to May 8th due to technical considerations. The film was shot during her sold-out four-night run at Manchester’s Co-Op Live in July 2025.
Recent weeks have also seen Eilish navigate public attention surrounding a controversial incident involving a right-wing Australian activist who accused her of contributing to his deportation from the U.S. After he threatened to “occupy” her mansion. At the 2026 Grammys, Eilish used her platform to condemn ICE operations and advocate for immigration rights, sparking both praise and criticism. These events underscore the artist’s willingness to engage with social and political issues, further solidifying her position as a prominent cultural figure.
As of now, no firm release date has been set for the The Bell Jar adaptation. Production timelines remain unconfirmed, but with Polley attached and Eilish in advanced talks, the project appears to be moving forward with momentum. The next steps will likely involve finalizing Eilish’s contract and assembling the remaining cast and crew, paving the way for a production start date in the coming months.