Pop superstar Billie Eilish is preparing to take a major step into the film industry as she lines up her feature acting debut in a new adaptation of The Bell Jar, the classic novel by Sylvia Plath.
The project, which began drawing industry attention this week, will be written and directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sarah Polley, known for the critically acclaimed film “Women Talking.”
According to early reports, Billie Eilish is attached to play Esther Greenwood, the central character of the novel. The story follows a young woman navigating life during a prestigious internship in New York while grappling with mental health struggles and the pressure of societal expectations.
First published in 1963, The Bell Jar is widely regarded as one of the most influential novels exploring identity, ambition, and psychological struggle. The semi-autobiographical story mirrors aspects of Plath’s own life and has remained a major story for generations of readers.
In the upcoming adaptation, Polley will both write and direct the project, bringing her distinctive storytelling approach to the material. Her previous film, Women Talking, earned widespread praise and won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.
The film will be produced by Plan B Entertainment, the production company founded by Brad Pitt, alongside StudioCanal.
U.S. distribution will be handled by Focus Features. As of now, the rest of the cast and the production timeline have not been announced.
Although Billie Eilish is primarily known for her global music career, she has had a small acting role before. In 2023, she appeared in the television series “Swarm,” created by Donald Glover. However, The Bell Jar would mark her first time leading a major feature film.
The casting has attracted significant attention partly because the novel’s themes closely mirror issues Billie Eilish has spoken about publicly, including mental health, body image, and the pressures of fame.
Billie Eilish already has strong ties to the film industry through her music. She has won two Academy Awards for Best Original Song, first for the theme from “No Time to Die” and later for “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie. The wins made her the youngest person to secure two Oscars in that category.
Beyond The Bell Jar, the singer is also involved in another film project. She is co-directing a concert documentary titled “Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour” (Live in 3D) with acclaimed filmmaker James Cameron, known for directing the blockbuster Avatar. The film is scheduled to be released on May 8, 2026 through Paramount Pictures.
