‘The Bell Jar’ adds Danielle Deadwyler, Ike Barinholtz and Connor Storrie to cast
Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar was first published in 1963 and remains one of the author’s most recognised works
Danielle Deadwyler, Ike Barinholtz and Connor Storrie have joined Billie Eilish and Carey Mulligan in The Bell Jar, the upcoming adaptation of Sylvia Plath’s classic novel directed by Academy Award winner Sarah Polley.
Focus Features has confirmed the full cast for the film, which stars Eilish as Esther Greenwood. The project marks the two-time Oscar-winning singer-songwriter’s feature film acting debut.
Eilish takes on the role of Esther, the protagonist of Plath’s semi-autobiographical novel. The story follows the aspiring young writer after she lands a magazine internship in New York City, chronicling her struggles with ambition, identity and mental health as she faces the restrictive societal expectations placed on women in the 1950s.
Production on The Bell Jar has now wrapped, with Polley directing from her own adapted screenplay. The filmmaker previously won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for Women Talking.
Mulligan stars as Esther’s mother, Mrs. Greenwood, a role Variety previously reported she had signed on to play. The Oscar- and Emmy-nominated actress joins Eilish in the film’s central ensemble as the story follows Esther’s increasingly difficult experiences.
Deadwyler has also joined the cast as Dr. Nolan, Esther’s psychiatrist. The actress, who is a Gotham Award winner, will play a key figure in Esther’s journey as she navigates the challenges that follow her time in New York.
Barinholtz stars as Lenny, a wealthy New York City radio host, adding another prominent figure to the film’s ensemble.
Storrie, meanwhile, plays Marco, the character Esther is set up with on a horrifying blind date. The role follows Storrie’s breakout success in Heated Rivalry, which has helped establish him as one of the rising stars of the screen.
The ensemble also includes Dylan Hawco as Buddy Willard, Esther’s first boyfriend, while Lili Taylor plays Jay Cee, the editor of Ladies’ Day magazine where Esther works during her New York internship.
Ella Beatty appears as Joan, an old acquaintance of Esther who eventually finds herself at the same mental hospital as her. Maggie Kuntz rounds out the announced cast as Doreen, Esther’s best friend in New York and a fellow intern.
Plath’s The Bell Jar was first published in 1963 and remains one of the author’s most recognised works. The semi-autobiographical novel has continued to attract readers for its exploration of ambition, identity, gender expectations and mental health through Esther’s experiences.
Polley’s adaptation brings together an ensemble featuring established award-winning performers and emerging actors, with Eilish at the centre of the story in her first feature film role.
The film is produced by Plan B, Studiocanal and Joy Coalition, while Focus Features will distribute The Bell Jar. A release date has not yet been announced.
