The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Movie: What Most People Get Wrong

The internet has been screaming about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo movie for years now. Literally years. If you’ve spent more than five minutes on BookTok, you’ve probably seen the fancasts, the emerald green dress debates, and the inevitable "who is Celia St. James?" discourse that never seems to end.

Honestly, the path from the page to the screen has been kind of a mess.

We’re talking about a book that sold millions of copies and basically became the personality of every reader in 2021. But turning Taylor Jenkins Reid’s sprawling, decades-spanning epic into a single Netflix film is a massive undertaking. It’s not just a movie; it’s a period piece, a romance, a tragedy, and a critique of the Hollywood machine all rolled into one.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo Movie: The Latest Production Reality

Let's get the facts straight first. For a while, things looked pretty solid with Leslye Headland—the mind behind Russian Doll—set to direct. Fans were actually hyped because she gets that "gritty but glamorous" vibe. But then, early in 2025, she dropped out. Scheduling conflicts are the official story, but whatever the reason, it left the project in limbo for a hot second.

Enter Maggie Betts.

In February 2025, Netflix confirmed that Betts, who recently directed The Burial, is officially taking the reins. She’s also helping with the script alongside Liz Tigelaar. If you don’t know Tigelaar, she’s the one who adapted Little Fires Everywhere and Tiny Beautiful Things. Basically, the woman knows how to handle complicated women and messy family dynamics.

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The production is currently in pre-production. That means they are scouting locations, finalizing the look of the 1950s sets, and—most importantly—agonizing over the cast.

Why casting Evelyn is a nightmare for Netflix

You can’t just hire a "good actress" for this.

You need someone who can play Evelyn at 20, 40, and 80. Or, more likely, two different actresses who look enough alike that we believe they’re the same person. The fan favorites have been the same for years: Eiza González or Ana de Armas for the younger, Cuban-American starlet, and maybe someone like Rita Moreno for the elder Evelyn.

There were some wild rumors flying around about Gina Rodriguez being attached, but Netflix hasn't put a ring on any official names yet. The pressure is insane. If they get the casting wrong, the fans will revolt.

What about Celia?

And then there’s Celia St. James. The "One True Love."

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For a long time, everyone thought Jessica Chastain was a lock. She has the hair, the talent, the vibe. But she’s gone on record—multiple times—saying she isn't doing it. Like, "zero possibility" level of no. It's heartbreaking for the fan-casters, but it leaves the door open for someone unexpected. Names like Dianna Agron have been floated by fans because of her history with certain "Hollywood mystery" aesthetics, but again, nothing is official.

Why this adaptation is taking forever

Good movies take time. Great ones take even longer.

Taylor Jenkins Reid is an executive producer, which is a good sign. It means she’s not just selling the rights and walking away; she’s in the room. In interviews throughout 2025, she’s mentioned that they are taking the "immense respect" for the readership seriously.

• The Metoo Factor: Reid mentioned to TIME that the script might address the industry's power dynamics differently than the 2017 book did.
• The Timeline: We are looking at a likely 2027 release date.
• The Scope: Fitting seven marriages and a lifelong secret romance into two hours is a puzzle.

Some fans actually wanted a limited series. I get it. Each husband could have been an episode. But Netflix is leaning into the "prestige film" angle. They want those Oscars. They want the big, cinematic sweeps of 1960s Los Angeles and the quiet, tense moments in an Upper East Side apartment.

The Husbands: More Than Just Background Noise

The movie has to nail the husbands to make Evelyn's journey work. Each man represents a different stage of her ambition or her survival.

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1. Ernie Diaz: The ticket out of Hell's Kitchen.
2. Don Adler: The first real love that turned into a nightmare of domestic violence.
3. Mick Riva: The Vegas mistake (and a fun crossover for fans of Malibu Rising).
4. Rex North: The business arrangement.
5. Harry Cameron: The soulmate friend. This is the big one. If the movie doesn't get the Harry/Evelyn platonic-but-soul-deep love right, the whole thing falls apart.
6. Max Girard: The man who loved the "idea" of her.
7. Robert Jamison: The protector in the final act.

If they rush through these, the emotional payoff with Monique Grant—the journalist conducting the interview—won't land. The movie needs to make us feel the weight of those decades.

What to expect next

Don't expect a trailer anytime soon. We are still waiting for that "white smoke" moment when the official cast list drops. When it does, expect it to break the internet.

For now, the best thing you can do is keep an eye on Netflix’s production announcements and maybe re-read the book one more time to prepare your heart for the inevitable crying session in the theater. Or on your couch. Let's be real, it's Netflix—it's your couch.

Actionable Next Steps:

• Follow Maggie Betts on social media: Directors often post "behind the scenes" teasers of sets or color palettes before a trailer exists.
• Verify casting news: If you see a "confirmed" cast list on TikTok that isn't reported by Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, or Deadline, it’s probably fake.
• Re-read with a critical eye: Note the specific fashion descriptions, as the costume design for this film will likely be a major awards contender.