Jessica Chastain Rules Out Playing Evelyn Hugo, Looks Forward to Watching

Jessica Chastain has expressed that she has no chance of playing the role of Evelyn Hugo, stating, 'I anticipate enjoying it as a spectator'

By M Muzamil Shami

The recipient of an Oscar had garnered widespread popularity as the top choice to portray Celia St. James, who starts as Hugo's adversary and later becomes his romantic interest.

Devotees of Taylor Jenkins Reid's acclaimed novel, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, might feel let down by certain debunked speculations regarding the casting of the forthcoming Netflix movie adaptation.

While Jessica Chastain has garnered significant support as the preferred choice to portray Celia St. James, the rival-turned-secret paramour of the titular character, she clarified in a recent interview with E! News that there is absolutely no chance of her assuming the role.

     A photograph of Jessica Chastain, taken by Dia Dipasupil and featured on Getty Images

"I find it heartening to witness the enthusiasm of the fans," Chastain expressed to E!. "During my time on Broadway, I'd encounter them daily outside, eager with their books for signatures. The fan base is truly remarkable."

Earlier this year, there was a circulating TikTok video depicting Chastain declining to sign a copy of Reid's book outside the theater where she was performing in A Doll's House.

"I've been approached by fans several times to sign books that I'm not contractually affiliated with," she later clarified on social media. "Because it doesn't feel right, and I don't want to take credit for someone else's work, I decline by stating that I'm not involved. It doesn't mean I've read a poorly written script."

While she didn't provide a specific explanation for her non-participation in the Netflix adaptation, the Oscar-winning actress expressed her anticipation for enjoying it as an observer.

"I'm eager to witness it, and I regret any disappointment among fans out there!" shared the Memory star with E!.

Released in 2017, "The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" revolves around the retired and secluded classic film actress, the titular heroine, who narrates her life to a journalist. Reid, known for writing "Daisy Jones & the Six," will take on the role of an executive producer for the film. The script, penned by Liz Tigelaar (known for "Little Fires Everywhere" and "Casual"), will be brought to life under the direction of Leslye Headland (renowned for "Russian Doll" and "Sleeping with Other People").