Lily Collins, renowned for her role in Emily in Paris, has officially confirmed she will portray the legendary Audrey Hepburn in an upcoming film chronicling the making of the 1961 cinematic classic Breakfast at Tiffany's. The actor shared the exciting news via an Instagram post, expressing her profound admiration and honour at taking on such an iconic role.
Film Details and Development
The as-yet-untitled project will draw its narrative from Sam Wasson's nonfiction book, Fifth Avenue, 5 AM: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's and the Dawn of the Modern Woman. This source material provides a comprehensive account of the film's tumultuous production process, highlighting key figures such as screenwriter George Axelrod, costume designer Edith Head, and director Blake Edwards.
Behind-the-Scenes Drama
The book delves into the dramatic pre-production conflicts, including author Truman Capote's vigorous but unsuccessful campaign to cast Marilyn Monroe as the lead character Holly Golightly. Capote later alleged that Paramount Pictures had "double-crossed" him by ultimately selecting Hepburn for the role. Additionally, the film faced on-set tensions and studio interventions aimed at softening the character's sexual undertones, all of which contributed to its complex journey to the screen.
Alena Smith, the creator of the Apple TV+ series Dickinson, is tasked with writing the screenplay for this highly anticipated film. However, a director has not yet been announced, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further updates.
Production and Legacy
Collins' own production company, Case Study Films, is collaborating with Imagine Entertainment and producer Scott LaStaiti to develop the project. Breakfast at Tiffany's itself, adapted from Truman Capote's 1958 novella, starred Hepburn as Holly Golightly, a New York socialite who forms a relationship with a struggling writer played by George Peppard.
The film received five Academy Award nominations, including a Best Actress nod for Hepburn, and secured two Oscars for its memorable score and the beloved song "Moon River." Hepburn's portrayal, complete with her iconic black Givenchy dress and the famous opening scene outside Tiffany & Co., has cemented its place as one of Hollywood's most enduring and influential performances.
Collins' Longstanding Admiration
Lily Collins has frequently expressed her deep admiration for Audrey Hepburn, often citing her as a muse. On social media, she has replicated Hepburn's looks from the 1963 film Charade, showcasing her dedication to the late actor's legacy. In a 2014 interview with Today, Collins elaborated on her inspiration, naming Funny Face and Sabrina as her favourite Hepburn films.
She remarked, "In her films, her smile and her eyes said it all. She could convey strong emotions without even opening her mouth. For an actress, being able to express something without talking is the most powerful thing you can do." Collins added, "I've always been rather fascinated by her personality, her character. Of course, she's sublime and iconic and I'm very honoured to be compared to her, but I am in no way trying to be the next Audrey Hepburn. At any rate, no one can be the next Audrey Hepburn!"
