Jessica Chastain on starring in ‘Evelyn Hugo’: ‘zero possibility’

Jessica Chastain, acclaimed for such films as The Help (2011), The Martian (2015) and It Chapter Two (2019), has shut down rumors and speculations that she will star in the upcoming film adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s cult-favorite book “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.”

The bestselling novel tackles the glamorous life of Evelyn Hugo, a Hollywood actress whose life unravels when an unknown journalist named Monique Grant is chosen to write her biography.

Chastain has been a top choice to play Celia St. James, the protagonist’s love interest, among fans who are looking forward to seeing the book come to life. However, the Oscar-winning actress confirmed to E! News (via Indiewire) that there is “zero possibility” she will be starring in the film adaptation.

“I love how excited the fans are,” Chastain said. “When I was working on Broadway, every single day they’d be outside, when I was signing, with the books. I just love how wonderful that fan base is.”

“I look forward to watching it and I’m sorry to disappoint everyone out there,” she added.

Previously, Chastain had mentioned to host Andy Cohen on “Watch What Happens Live” that she was open to reading a script for the film adaptation.

In April 2023, the 46-year-old actress went viral on X (formerly Twitter) after refusing to autograph a fan’s copy of the book.

She explained: “I’ve been asked multiple times by fans to sign books that I’m not attached to contractually. Because it feels wrong, and like I’m taking credit for something else’s work, I’ll say I can’t sign because I’m not doing it.”

The American actress has been busy doing the press rounds for her upcoming film “Memory” with Peter Sarsgaard, which earned her a nomination for Best Lead Performance in the Independent Spirit Awards, while Sarsgaard won a Best Actor award at the Venice International Film Festival in 2023.

The film will be released in theaters nationwide on 5 January.