Casting Call: The Bell Jar
In which we suggest who should star in the next big adaptation, remake, or historical film.
Sylvia Plath’s seminal 1960s novel the The Bell Jar is a dark, semi-autobiographical tale about a young American woman named Esther Greenwood. Spanning one pivotal summer, The Bell Jar follows Esther as she grapples with some of the complexities of youth and mental instability. Initially, the book received mixed reviews, in part due to the story’s eerie parallel to the life of the author, who committed suicide soon after publication. Since then, however, it has become a classic.
Recently, Deadline announced that Kirsten Dunst and Nellie Kim are adapting the novel into a feature film, with Dunst set to direct. The book was previously adapted into a movie directed by Larry Peerce in 1979 with a legendary cast including Golden Globe award-winning actress Marilyn Hassett as Esther, and Tony, Emmy, and Grammy award-winning actress Julie Harris as Mrs. Greenwood. But the story remains a relevant examination of mental health and gender norms in our current society. While Dakota Fanning is already set to play the protagonist, Esther Greenwood, the rest of the cast has yet to be announced.
Casting Call runs on Fridays. For more, click here.
