THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO: HAS EVELYN BEEN CHOSEN?

THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO: HAS EVELYN BEEN CHOSEN?

The highly anticipated, extremely postponed adaptation of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid may be one step closer toward filming. Amidst ongoing filming delays, Deuxmoi has received numerous submissions on casting updates and alleged pre-production drama, which may be the ultimate reason for the setbacks. As addressed in Deux/U’s June 5th podcast episode, Deuxmoi received word last month from a source that allegedly “filming has been pushed to start in June.” Contextually, the book was published in June 2017, and Netflix joined the project in March 2022. Even taking post-COVID delays and the writers’ strikes into consideration, it’s been a minute to say the least.

Whether you’re familiar with the novel or not, readers are transported to 1950s Los Angeles as the enigmatic Evelyn Hugo, a rags to riches actress, becomes a household name in Hollywood and beyond. Her life’s story is filled with many twists and turns, alongside her relationships with seven distinctly unique husbands.

There have been several high profile, A-list actresses attached to the Netflix-backed feature. It’s worth noting that Evelyn Hugo stems from Cuban heritage (and this is a defining component of the page turner), which begs the question: which actress will do her justice?

Concurrently discussed in this week’s podcast episode, one of Deuxmoi’s sources alleged that “there’s been a rumor on TikTok that Sofia Carson is playing the lead role.” While this casting news may or may not be accurate, the source added that “Liza Chasin, the producer of the movie, just followed her and Sofia [followed] her back.” Upon further inspection, Carson follows Chasin’s production company, 3dot Productions. It is worth noting that Chasin produced Netflix’s tear jerker "The Life List", which Carson also starred in. A few years ago, another Deuxmoi insider revealed that Cuban-born actress Ana de Armas was in the running to play Evelyn Hugo as well.

Just last month, a source relayed rather vague details with Deuxmoi on the chosen Evelyn. And how vague you may ask? The supposed leading lady has “long hair.” So there’s that.

Additionally, Deuxmoi’s eagle eyed tipsters have heard whispers of potential co-star casting news. Circa January 2024, a Deuxmoi source alleged that “Kaitlyn Dever is in final talks to be Celia St. James.” Contextually, Celia St. James is a very close friend of Evelyn Hugo’s and an integral character in the storyline. The source included “the Evelyn Hugo role is already locked. Fans will be happy.” Shared with Deuxmoi back in April 2023, a source claimed that Latina legend Rita Moreno “received the script” to play the adult version of Evelyn Hugo.

But that still leads us to wonder: what is going on with the film itself?

In December 2024, Deuxmoi did an Instagram Q&A asking fans to spill any filming-related tea. Two submission answers were rather identical. One said the movie was “still in development, whereas the other characterized it as being in “development hell.”

Furthermore, a source dipped into the catalyst that may be to blame for these delays upon delays. It turns out that it could be linked to a development disentanglement, specifically involving an on-set consultant. A source alleged that a certain individual involved in the film didn’t necessarily “see the necessity for a queer/Latinx consultant.” And if the disagreement wasn’t remedied, the source intimated that the film could be scrapped altogether.

Needless to say, the aforementioned information is hearsay at this point in time. We will be keeping a close eye on the ever-evolving chatter—including the undetermined casting of Evelyn’s seven husbands.