The captivating actress, who had been a fervent fan favorite for a starring role in the anticipated Netflix adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid's 2017 novel, Jessica Chastain, has now distanced herself from any lingering hopes of her involvement. In a revealing interview with E! News, published on Thursday, the actress clarified that her chances of portraying the role onscreen are "non-existent." Despite previous expressions of openness to the idea, sparked by fan campaigns urging her to play Celia St. James in the Netflix production, Chastain now emphatically stated that there is "zero possibility" of her starring.
"However, I am deeply touched by the enthusiasm of my fans," Chastain confessed in the interview. "When I was on Broadway, they would gather outside every day, eagerly awaiting my autograph, books in hand. Their support is truly heartwarming." The Oscar-winning actress went on to say, "I look forward to watching the film, but I'm sorry to let down all the fans out there."
Back in April, Chastain took to social media to explain a viral video showing her declining to sign a copy of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo for a fan after a Broadway performance. She explained that she doesn't "sign books that I'm not officially part of" as it feels wrong to take credit for someone else's work. "When I can't sign, I'll say I'm not involved," she wrote, adding, "That doesn't mean the script isn't good." In a January appearance on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live!, Chastain had seemed open to the idea of starring in the Evelyn Hugo adaptation, noting the online buzz surrounding her potential involvement and saying, "If a script comes my way, I'll consider it."
