Evelyn Hugo and her seven husbands are headed to Netflix. In June, the streamer revealed that “Pitch Perfect” star Anna Kendrick had signed on to direct the film adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s 2017 bestselling novel, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.” Written by Liz Tigelaar and executive produced by Jenkins Reid, the movie promises to bring the book’s glitz and glamour to life—gorgeous gowns and all.
Jenkins Reid’s novel follows the life of fictional old Hollywood actress Evelyn Hugo. At 79, she’s ready to make public the truth about her private life, but she’ll only do so if reporter Monique Grant agrees to be her personal biographer. Evelyn carefully controls the telling of her story, revealing unexpected details about her career and relationships as the true love of her life comes into focus. Beyond her seven husbands, there are far more important players involved in Evelyn’s tale of love and sacrifice.
No casting details have been revealed yet, but we couldn’t help but try to envision who should portray whom. Without further ado, our dream cast for “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” film adaptation.
Rita Moreno as Evelyn Hugo (Older)
As the overwhelming favorite among diehard fans of the novel, who better to play an actress from Hollywood’s golden age than someone who has been there herself? The EGOT-winning legend Moreno possesses the same magnetic, spirited, and unapologetically fierce energy that defines Evelyn’s life story.
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Xochitl Gomez as Evelyn Hugo (Teen)
During flashbacks to Evelyn’s youth, we meet teenage Evelyn on the cusp of escaping Hell’s Kitchen. Gomez brings the youthful fire that defines Evelyn to all she does. Her Marvel-level star power proves she can handle a massive book adaptation, while her independent vibes from “The Baby-Sitters Club” perfectly match the raw fire Evelyn needs to hustle her way into the spotlight. Plus, after seeing Gomez dominate the “Dancing With the Stars” ballroom and drop jaws on the red carpet, we already know she has that magnetic, timeless elegance locked down.
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Ana de Armas as Evelyn Hugo (Adult)
Exuding a captivating, mature confidence, de Armas has the precise seductive presence required to carry Evelyn into adulthood. She commands the screen with her subtle glances, and her transformative performance as Marilyn Monroe in “Blonde” leaves no question that she can effortlessly embody Evelyn’s unique aesthetic.
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Nathalie Emmanuel as Monique Grant
Emmanuel is a popular choice across BookTok and fan forums for Monique, and it’s easy to see why. Known for “Game of Thrones” and “Fast & Furious,” Emmanuel is well-equipped to portray Monique’s warm demeanor, understated intellect, and burgeoning self-awareness. Emmanuel is more than ready for a definitive leading role, and this could be the perfect canvas to showcase her emotional range.
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Sophia Lillis as Celia St. James (Teen)
Lillis would be a perfect young Celia because she has the pale blue eyes and strawberry-red hair described in the book. She effortlessly projects the simplicity that defines Celia, contrasting beautifully with Evelyn’s luxurious lifestyle. Lillis showed incredible versatility in “It” and “Sharp Objects,” proving she has the acting chops necessary to play young Celia.
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Brittany Snow as Celia St. James (Adult)
While Jessica Chastain has been the ultimate fan-cast for the adult Celia, the actor officially shut down the rumors by telling E! News there is “zero possibility” of her taking the role. This opens the door for Brittany Snow, who has the vulnerability and poise the character requires. Not to mention, Snow already has a strong connection to the project since the film is set to be directed by her “Pitch Perfect” costar Kendrick.
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Jonathan Bailey as Harry Cameron
As People’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive, Bailey boasts a broad, magnetic appeal that matches the delicate line Harry treads throughout his tortured storyline. With both “Bridgerton” and “Wicked” in his rearview, Bailey has practically mastered the art of onscreen longing. If anyone knows a thing or two about deeply yearning for the so-called wrong person, it is certainly him.
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Glen Powell as John Braverman
Thanks to his Southern suave and infectious smile, Powell has all the makings of an all-American football player. (“Chad Powers,” anyone?) But beneath that cheerful facade, Celia’s husband hides a painful secret. Fortunately, a single glance from Powell could perfectly capture the heartbreak his character can’t say out loud.
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Xolo Maridueña as Ernie Diaz
Maridueña would be an excellent casting choice for Ernie Diaz, Evelyn’s sweet and humble first husband, whom she marries as a teenager. His charisma in “Cobra Kai” and “Blue Beetle” aligns seamlessly with Ernie’s sweet, wholesome nature.
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Finn Wittrock as Don Adler
Wittrock is our top casting for Don Adler because he balances old-school charm with an ability to play dangerous, toxic narcissists. His standout performances in Ryan Murphy's “American Horror Story” series prove he can seamlessly pivot from a romantic leading man in public to a volatile, abusive husband behind closed doors.
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Harry Styles as Mick Riva
It’s easy to see why fans want to cast Styles as Evelyn’s pop-star husband. The Grammy-winning artist aligns well with Mick Riva’s 1960s rock star allure, while his role in “Don’t Worry Darling” showcases how he’d handle portraying the self-centered character.
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Charles Melton as Rex North
Melton is our Rex North. Rex is a handsome and highly strategic actor who enters into a purely transactional, business-minded marriage with Evelyn. Coming off a versatile performance in Season 2 of “Beef,” Melton is perfectly primed to take on the leading-man archetype.
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Louis Garrel as Max Girard
Garrel is a popular choice for Max Girard because he is an actual French actor-director who naturally embodies the character’s sophisticated aesthetic. Best known for his starring role in “The Dreamers,” Garrel excels at playing intense, emotionally detached men, making him a great fit for portraying Max’s obsession with Evelyn’s image rather than her true self.
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Kyle Chandler as Robert Jamison
Sweet and kindhearted, Evelyn’s seventh husband (and Celia’s brother) comes into the picture toward the middle of her life. With his inherently genial presence and warm, trustworthy smile, Chandler naturally radiates the agreeable goodness that Celia’s brother needs, making him the ideal emotional anchor for the story’s later years.
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Scarlett Spears as Connor Cameron (Child)
From her scene-stealing role as Donna Corinthos on “General Hospital” to her big-screen turn as young Galinda in “Wicked: For Good,” she’s already shown the kind of range that makes her an exciting casting choice.
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Where to find casting calls for “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” adaptation
For details on how to land your own role in “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” we suggest checking out our guide on how to audition for Netflix. We recommend bookmarking our Netflix casting page, too—it’s regularly updated with the latest calls as they become available. Because of the film’s high-profile nature, background acting might be the best way to get your foot in the door. Here’s everything you need to know about auditioning for background work to help you prepare for your own Evelyn Hugo moment.
Everything We Know About Netflix’s ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ Adaptation
