We always take note when Reese Witherspoon recommends a new book, especially if it’s heading for the big screen. And this time is no different.
The 44-year-old actress is set to adapt an all-new movie that’s based on the widely popular novel, Where the Crawdads Sing. So, who will play the lead character, Kya? And what is Where the Crawdads Sing about? Keep reading for all the details.
Where the Crawdads Sing is a best-selling novel written by Delia Owens. Although it was originally published in 2018, Witherspoon’s production company, Hello Sunshine, obtained the film rights shortly after.
The story is set in two different time periods. The first one follows a young girl named Kya Clark (dubbed “Marsh Girl”), who is struggling to make ends meet. The second takes place in the same marsh several years later—but this time, it explores a mysterious homicide.
Sony Pictures recently announced that Daisy Edgar-Jones will play the lead character. The Normal People star, 22, confirmed the exciting news on her Instagram Story and wrote, “I can’t actually believe this?!”
In addition to Hulu’s Normal People, Edgar-Jones has also starred in War of the Worlds, Cold Feet and Pond Life.
Olivia Newman is set to direct Where the Crawdads Sing. The filmmaker is widely known for her award-winning directorial debut, First Match, which hit Netflix in 2018. The script will be penned by Lucy Alibar (Troop Zero), and Witherspoon will serve as an executive producer alongside her right-hand gal, Lauren Neustadter (Little Fires Everywhere, The Morning Show).
Unfortunately, we don’t know when Where the Crawdads Sing will hit theaters. The good news is the story features very few characters, so production could begin any day, just as long as everyone abides by social distancing guidelines.
According to Witherspoon, it’ll be worth the wait. “It’s just one of those really exciting, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. It’s very fulfilling,” she told Harper’s Bazaar.
If you need us, we’ll be re-reading Where the Crawdads Sing. (You know, for research.)
