Billie Eilish could be heading to the big screen in a major new role. According to multiple reports, the 24-year-old singer is in talks to star in filmmaker Sarah Polley’s adaptation of Sylvia Plath’s novel ‘The Bell Jar’. If the deal goes through, the project will mark Eilish’s feature film acting debut. The news has drawn attention because it would place one of music’s biggest stars at the center of a new version of one of the most discussed novels about mental health, pressure, and young womanhood.
Billie Eilish ‘The Bell Jar’ movie casting talks
According to Network 18, Eilish is in discussions to play Esther Greenwood, the central character in ‘The Bell Jar’. The film is written and directed by Sarah Polley. Her 2022 drama ‘Women Talking’ won her the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and also landed a Best Picture nomination. This new film now puts her in charge of adapting Sylvia Plath’s only novel for the screen.
Sarah Polley in ‘The Bell Jar’ adaptation
Originally published in 1963, ‘The Bell Jar’ remains one of the best-known novels about mental health and societal expectations placed on young women. The story follows Esther Greenwood, a talented young writer who struggles with her mental health after landing a prestigious internship at a New York City magazine. The book is also widely seen as a deeply personal reflection of Sylvia Plath’s own experiences and continues to stand out for its themes of identity, ambition, and emotional turmoil.The adaptation has a long history. Over the past 20 years, several versions were planned for film or television. Actors including Julia Stiles, Kirsten Dunst, Dakota Fanning, and Frankie Shaw were linked to earlier efforts, but none moved forward.Eilish has not led a feature film before, but she has already built a strong connection with Hollywood. She won two Academy Awards with her brother and collaborator Finneas for original songs written for ‘Barbie’ and ‘No Time to Die’. She also made her acting debut in 2023 with an appearance in the Prime Video series ‘Swarm’.Fans will also see more of her on screen soon. Her 3D concert documentary, ‘Billie Eilish: Hit Me Hard and Soft’, directed by filmmaker James Cameron, is set to open in theaters on May 8. The film follows the making of her 2024 album ‘Hit Me Hard and Soft’, which earned Song of the Year at the 2026 Grammy Awards for “WILDFLOWER.”
