TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Grammy and Oscar-winning singer Billie Eilish is making her feature film acting debut in a new adaptation of The Bell Jar, the acclaimed novel by American poet and writer Sylvia Plath.
Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Sarah Polley, the project has already generated significant buzz as filming gets underway in Toronto.
The film marks Eilish's first starring role in a movie after her acting debut in Prime Video's Swarm (2023). It also revives a literary classic that Hollywood has repeatedly struggled to adapt.
Here's everything we know so far about The Bell Jar, as reported by Teen Vogue.
Everything to Know About Billie Eilish's The Bell Jar Debut
What Is The Bell Jar About?
Published in 1963 under the pseudonym Victoria Lucas, The Bell Jar is Sylvia Plath's only novel and is widely regarded as a semi-autobiographical work.
The story follows Esther Greenwood, a gifted college student navigating life in 1950s America while confronting societal expectations surrounding marriage, motherhood, and career.
During a prestigious internship at a New York fashion magazine, Esther's mental health begins to deteriorate, eventually leading to psychiatric treatment.
The novel remains one of the most influential works exploring depression, identity, and young womanhood.
Billie Eilish Makes Her Movie Acting Debut
Eilish is set to play Esther Greenwood, marking her first leading role in a feature film.
Although she is best known as a musician, Eilish has built a close relationship with Hollywood throughout her career. She is the youngest two-time Oscar winner, taking home Best Original Song for No Time to Die (2022) and What Was I Made For? from Barbie (2024).
She previously appeared in an episode of Prime Video's Swarm in 2023, earning praise for her performance.
Despite starring in The Bell Jar, reports indicate Eilish is not expected to contribute music to the film.
Billie Eilish's First Look as Esther Greenwood in The Bell Jar
Although the studio has yet to release official first-look images, fans have already caught a glimpse of Billie Eilish as Esther Greenwood through photos and videos taken from the Toronto set.
The images show Eilish trading her signature oversized streetwear for 1950s-inspired A-line dresses, skirts, and bright red lipstick, reflecting the novel's period setting.
In one scene, she is seen walking across a city street alongside other young women, while another captures her strolling through the rain without an umbrella. You can see the set photos here.
The footage marks the first public look at Eilish's transformation into the troubled yet ambitious literary character as filming for the highly anticipated adaptation continues in Toronto.
Sarah Polley Directs and Writes the Film
Academy Award winner Sarah Polley will direct and write the screenplay.
Polley won the 2023 Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for Women Talking and previously earned another Academy Award nomination for Away From Her. Both films were adapted from literary works, making her one of Hollywood's most respected filmmakers for book-to-screen adaptations.
The project is being produced by Plan B Entertainment, Brad Pitt's production company, alongside Joy Coalition and StudioCanal.
Who Else Is in the Cast?
Besides Billie Eilish, several notable actors are reportedly joining the cast.
According to Variety, Carey Mulligan will portray Mrs. Greenwood, Esther's mother.
Meanwhile, Deadline reported that Ella Beatty is in final negotiations to join the film, although her role has not yet been disclosed. There have also been reports linking Connor Storrie to the project, but no official confirmation has been announced.
Why This Adaptation Is So Anticipated
Despite the novel's literary reputation, The Bell Jar has rarely reached the screen.
The only completed adaptation, released in 1979 and directed by Larry Peerce, starred Marilyn Hassett and Julie Harris but received poor reviews. Several later attempts involving filmmakers and actors such as Julia Stiles, Kirsten Dunst, and Elle Fanning were ultimately abandoned before production.
Polley's version is now seen as the strongest opportunity yet to bring Plath's novel successfully to the screen.
Has Filming Started?
Yes. Production reportedly began in late June in Toronto, Canada, and is expected to continue through early September.
Photos from the set surfaced online in early August, showing Eilish dressed in 1950s-inspired costumes, including A-line dresses, skirts, and bold red lipstick. Other scenes depict Esther Greenwood walking through the rain and across city streets alongside fellow students.
No official first-look images have been released by the studio.
When Will The Bell Jar Be Released?
The film does not yet have an official release date. According to industry reports, Focus Features is still finalizing a deal to distribute the film in the United States.
Meanwhile, HarperCollins is set to publish a new edition of Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar on November 3, 2026, fueling speculation that the movie could arrive around the same period, although no release window has been confirmed.
