Lily Collins to Play Audrey Hepburn in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ Biopic
Lily Collins will portray Audrey Hepburn in a forthcoming film detailing the making of the 1961 classic, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, it was confirmed Tuesday.
The 36-year-old actress, known for her role as Emily Cooper in the Netflix series Emily in Paris, has long been noted for her resemblance to the iconic Hepburn. The film will chronicle the tumultuous production of Blake Edwards’ romantic comedy, which initially considered Marilyn Monroe for the lead role of Holly Golightly, according to reports.
The project is based on Sam Wasson’s 2010 book, Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the Dawn of the Modern Woman, and will feature a screenplay by Alena Smith, the creator of Apple TV+’s Dickinson. No director has yet been announced.
Collins shared her excitement on Instagram, stating, “It’s with almost 10 years of development and a lifetime of admiration and adoration for Audrey that I’m finally able to share this. Honored and ecstatic don’t begin to express how I feel…” She is also producing the film through her production company, Case Study Films, which she launched in 2022 with her husband Charlie McDowell and producer Alex Orlovsky.
The production of Breakfast at Tiffany’s was marked by several challenges. Originally a 1958 novella by Truman Capote, the film’s casting process involved multiple actresses before Hepburn secured the role. Monroe was initially favored by Capote, but was under contract with 20th Century Fox at the time. Kim Novak and Shirley MacLaine were also considered. During filming, an electrical incident nearly occurred on set during the opening scene at Tiffany &. Co.
Collins has previously paid homage to Hepburn’s style in both her personal appearances and within Emily in Paris, referencing looks from films like Roman Holiday and Charade. She has publicly identified Hepburn as a muse, sharing past photoshoots inspired by the actress on social media.