Anna Nicole Smith Biopic in the Works
The tragic final days of model, actress and former Playboy Playmate Anna Nicole Smith, who died as a result of an accidental overdose in 2007 at the age of just 39, are to become the subject of a new biopic being shopped at the European Film Market.
The film comes from Killing Eve director Francesca Gregorini, while Oscar winner Holly Hunter is in discussions to join the film. The script was written by Rachel Sarnoff and Matt Sarnoff.
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Sierra/Affinity is handling international sales and will make the movie available to buyers for the first time at the virtual EFM.
An earlier statement from Sierra/Affinity stated that Betty Gilpin was in talks to play Smith, but her reps and the producers have since confirmed that this is no longer the case and she won’t be appearing in the film.
Hurricana centers on Smith’s devoted therapist, Khristine (Hunter), who in an attempt to save her client’s life embarks on a 36-hour odyssey in which she unknowingly delivers the fatal blow. The film is described as a story of the immense hurricane-like force that was Smith and the fateful string of events that led her to destroy everything in her path, including herself and those closest to her.
Rory Koslow of Well Told Entertainment (Lost Girls, I Almost Forgot About You), Cassian Elwes of Elevated (Mudbound, and exec producer of Dallas Buyers Club and The United States Vs. Billie Holiday) and Gregorini will board as producers. Executive producers are Jere Hausfater, Rachel Sarnoff and Matt Sarnoff.
Gregorini has previously directed Killing Eve, Tanner Hall, The Truth About Emanuel (Sundance U.S. dramatic competitor starring Jessica Biel and Alfred Molina) and the upcoming Searchlight/Hulu series The Dropout starring Amanda Seyfried.
Hunter and Gregorini are represented by ICM Partners, while both Rachel and Matt Sarnoff are repped by Gersh.
Feb. 7, 10:30 a.m. This story has been updated to clarify that Betty Gilpin is no longer in talks to play Smith in the film.
This story was first published on Feb. 7 at 8:30 a.m. PT.
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