Billie Eilish is set to make her film acting debut in an upcoming psychological fiction drama. Additional cast members of the movie have also been confirmed.
Focus Features has recently wrapped production on Oscar-winning director Sarah Polley’s upcoming adaptation of Sylvia Plath’s 1963 novel The Bell Jar. It stars Eilish in her feature film debut as the protagonist, Esther Greenwood.
The Bell Jar’s adapted screenplay is also written by Polley. The movie marks her first directorial feature since her 2022 drama film Women Talking, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Focus Features has also confirmed the additional cast for The Bell Jar. In addition to Eilish, the movie will star Carey Mulligan as Mrs. Greenwood, Danielle Deadwyler as Dr. Nolan, Dylan Hawco as Buddy Willard, Lili Taylor as Jay Cee, Ella Beatty as Joan, Maggie Kuntz as Doreen, Ike Barinholtz as Lenny, and Connor Storrie as Marco.
Inside Sarah Polley’s psychological drama The Bell Jar With Billie Eilish
The Bell Jar is the only novel written by American writer and poet Sylvia Plath. It is a semi-autobiographical account of a young woman’s struggle with mental illness and the crushing burden of societal expectations. The protagonist’s experiences largely parallel those of Plath, who died by suicide a month after the novel’s first UK publication.
The Bell Jar became an instant bestseller and remains one of the most seminal works in the history of American literature. The novel was previously adapted into a 1979 movie starring Marilyn Hassett as Esther Greenwood. The film also starred Julie Harris as Mrs. Greenwood.
Filming for the upcoming adaptation began in June 2026 and wrapped production on September 8. In August, Deuxmoi released photos of Billie Eilish on set in Toronto, wearing a red 1950s-style costume and hairstyle.
Focus Features has not yet announced an official release date for The Bell Jar.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.
