Billie Eilish to Make Acting Debut in ‘The Bell Jar’ Adaptation Directed by Sarah Polley

Billie Eilish is in advanced talks to star in a film adaptation of Sylvia Plath’s novel, The Bell Jar, marking her feature film acting debut. The project will be directed by Sarah Polley, known for her work on Women Talking, and distributed by Focus Features.

Polley and Eilish Team Up for Plath’s Semi-Autobiographical Novel

The adaptation, based on Plath’s 1963 novel, will spot Eilish portray Esther Greenwood, a young woman grappling with mental illness and societal pressures. Polley likewise penned the screenplay. The project originated with Joy Coalition, led by Joy Gorman Wettels, who packaged the film with Eilish and Polley before bringing on Plan B Entertainment, and StudioCanal. Deadline first reported the news.

Eilish’s Previous Acting Experience

While The Bell Jar will be Eilish’s first feature film role, she previously appeared in the 2023 Amazon series Swarm, co-created by Donald Glover. She also hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live in 2021. The Hollywood Reporter notes that Eilish once expressed a childhood dream of being in a movie, despite previously stating she “hated acting.”

About ‘The Bell Jar’ and Sarah Polley

The Bell Jar is Plath’s only novel, a semi-autobiographical work that explores themes of mental health and societal expectations. Plath tragically died by suicide a month after the novel’s initial UK publication. The book has since been translated into over forty languages and became a bestseller in the U.S. In 1971.

Polley’s previous film, Women Talking, earned her an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay and a Best Picture nomination. She was previously attached to direct a live-action remake of Bambi but later withdrew from the project. World of Reel highlights Polley’s relatively small directorial filmography, consisting of only four films over a 20-year career.

Upcoming Projects for Billie Eilish

In addition to The Bell Jar, Eilish will appear in the concert film Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live In 3D), originally scheduled for release on March 20, 2026, but now slated for May 8, 2026, due to technical reasons. The film was shot during her sold-out four-night run at Manchester’s Co-Op Live in July 2025.

Recent Controversy Surrounding Eilish

Recently, Eilish publicly condemned the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while accepting the Song of the Year award at the 2026 Grammys, stating, “No one is illegal on stolen land.” This statement followed an incident where a right-wing activist alleged he was deported from the U.S. After threatening to protest at Eilish’s home.