Amanda Seyfried, who was previously considered for the role of Glinda in Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked,” will be lending her musical talents to a different project. She is set to star in “Ann Lee,” a historical musical film directed by Mona Fastvold, co-writer of the upcoming film “The Brutalist.”
“Ann Lee” tells the story of Ann Lee, the religious leader who founded the Shaker Movement in the late 1770s. Lee was revered by her followers as the female embodiment of Jesus Christ, and her worshippers expressed their devotion through song and dance, making the musical genre a fitting choice for this biographical film.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Christopher Abbott, Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Tim Blake Nelson, Stacy Martin, Matthew Beard, and more. Daniel Blumberg, the Golden Globe-nominated composer of “The Brutalist,” has created original songs for “Ann Lee,” and the choreography is by Celia Rowlson Hall, known for her role in “Aftersun.”
Fastvold, who previously directed the acclaimed queer romance “The World to Come,” co-wrote the screenplay with her partner and “The Brutalist” director, Brady Corbet. The pair also serve as producers on the film.
“Ann Lee” was filmed in Hungary immediately after the completion of “The Brutalist” and has already wrapped production. The filmmakers are aiming for a 2025 premiere, but sales and distribution plans have yet to be announced.
This project marks Seyfried’s return to the musical genre after her roles in “Mamma Mia!,” “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again,” and “Les Misérables.” Her involvement in this under-the-radar indie film has generated considerable buzz among film enthusiasts and fans of the actress.
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