Lily Collins is stepping into one of Hollywood’s most iconic roles.
The “Emily in Paris” star revealed on Instagram that she will portray Audrey Hepburn in an upcoming film centered on the making of the 1961 classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Collins will also serve as a producer on the project, which has been nearly a decade in development.
“It’s with almost 10 years of development and a lifetime of admiration and adoration for Audrey that I’m finally able share this,” Collins wrote. “Honored and ecstatic don’t begin to express how I feel…”
The announcement quickly sparked excitement across Hollywood, with fellow stars flooding her comments section with support.
Hollywood Reacts to the Casting
Actress Lucy Hale wrote, “Absolutely born for this 👏 so happy for you,” while actor Jack Quaid commented, “Let’s goooo!!!!!!🔥🔥🔥.” Natalia Bryant, daughter of the late Kobe Bryant, added a simple but enthusiastic, “YES❤️❤️.”
Per Variety, the film will focus on the behind-the-scenes story of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” adapted from Truman Capote’s novella. The movie is based on Sam Wasson’s bestselling book “Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the Dawn of the Modern Woman,” which is described as the first complete account of the making of the film.
The project will explore the chaotic pre-production period, including Capote’s reported desire for Marilyn Monroe to star as Holly Golightly and his frustration when Paramount cast Hepburn instead. It will also depict on-set challenges, including a reported incident in which a crew member was nearly electrocuted while filming the iconic opening sequence outside Tiffany & Co. on Fifth Avenue.
Behind the Scenes of an Iconic Classic
In addition to Hepburn, the film will feature figures such as Capote, costume designer Edith Head and director Blake Edwards, though casting for those roles has not yet been announced.
The screenplay is being adapted by Alena Smith, creator of Apple TV’s “Dickinson,” according to Deadline. A director has not yet been named.
Imagine Entertainment is backing the film, with Brian Grazer, Jeb Brody and Justin Wilkes producing. Collins will produce through her company Case Study Films alongside Charlie McDowell, Alex Orlovsky and Scott LaStaiti. Additional executive producers include Sam Wasson, Brandon Millan and Michael Shamberg.
Hepburn, one of the defining figures of Hollywood’s Golden Age, won an Academy Award for “Roman Holiday” before starring in classics such as “Sabrina,” “Funny Face” and “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” which earned five Oscar nominations and later entered the U.S. National Film Registry.
Collins, a Golden Globe and Emmy nominee, continues to expand her producing slate while starring in Netflix’s “Emily in Paris,” which has been renewed for a sixth season.
For now, Collins summed up the moment best herself: “Honored and ecstatic don’t begin to express how I feel.”
