Billie Eilish to Make Acting Debut in ‘The Bell Jar’ Film Directed by Sarah Polley
Billie Eilish is set to star in a novel film adaptation of Sylvia Plath’s classic novel, The Bell Jar, marking her significant foray into acting. The project will be directed by Sarah Polley, the acclaimed filmmaker known for Women Talking.
Polley and Eilish Team Up for Plath’s Seminal Work
The adaptation, backed by Focus Features, Plan B Entertainment, and StudioCanal, sees Polley writing the screenplay as well. Joy Gorman Wettels, who originated the project through her company Joy Coalition, packaged the film with Eilish and Polley before bringing on Plan B and StudioCanal. Deadline first reported the news on March 11, 2026.
Eilish’s Previous Acting Experience
While primarily known for her music, Eilish has previously dabbled in acting, appearing in the Prime Video series Swarm. She also hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live in 2021. The Hollywood Reporter notes that Eilish has spoken about her childhood dream of being in a movie, stemming from her parents’ and brother Finneas’s backgrounds in acting.
About ‘The Bell Jar’
The Bell Jar is Plath’s only novel, published in 1963, and is a semi-autobiographical account of a young woman’s struggle with mental illness and societal pressures. The novel, which parallels Plath’s own experiences with depression, became an instant bestseller in the U.S. And has since been translated into over forty languages. Variety highlights the book’s literary significance, calling it a raw and unsettling work.
Polley’s Directorial Background
Sarah Polley’s previous directorial work includes relationship dramas like Take This Waltz and Away From Here. She recently won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for Women Talking. She was previously attached to a live-action remake of Bambi but later departed the project.
Eilish’s Recent Achievements
Eilish is a ten-time Grammy winner and a two-time Oscar winner for her original songs “No Time to Die” and “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie. Her most recent album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, was released in 2024. A 3D concert documentary of the album, directed by James Cameron, is scheduled for theatrical release in May 2026.