Hailee Steinfeldisn’t just one of Hollywood’s best young actresses, she’s also a gifted singer whose songs have struck a chord with teenage listeners, many of whom were already familiar with her voice from thePitch Perfectsequels. So it makes sense that she’s attached to star in and produce the music-themed movieIdol, which will also be produced by hitmakerMatt Reeves.
According to Deadline, Netflix is nearing a deal forIdol, having beat out Universal and Paramount for the hot package. The trade stresses that there’s no deal yet, but one appears to be imminent. Netflix has found great success this year with its romantic comedies catering to young women, likeThe Kissing BoothandTo All the Boys I Loved Before, and the streaming service is eager to retain those female viewers. Music-themed films are all the rage lately thanks toA Star Is Born, withVox Lux,Teen SpiritandWild Roseall selling out of Toronto. I’m not surprised that Netflix wants to get in on the trend.
Matt KingwroteIdol, which is described as a cross betweenThe Devil Wears PradaandAll About Eve. Steinfeld will play a girl who becomes an assistant for a major pop star, only to use what she learns to try to become her. The role of the pop star has yet to be cast, and it’s unclear when this would start production, as it needs a director first, and Reeves has his hands full withThe Batman.
Reeves would produce via his 6th & Idaho banner along with his partnersAdam KassanandRafi Crohn, Steinfeld and her motherCheri Steinfeld, andMonte LipmanandDana Sanoof Federal Films. The project is far enough along that Federal, which is the film division of Republic Records, already has a deal to release the original soundtrack forIdol. Given Steinfeld’s alter ego as a singer, it’s little surprise that she’s expected to be heavily involved in the music for the film.
In addition to starring in the hitPitch Perfectsequels, Steinfeld earned an Oscar nomination for her supporting performance inTrue Gritand has won acclaim for her lead role inThe Edge of Seventeen. She next stars in Paramount’sTransformersspinoffBumblebeeand lends her voice to the role of Gwen Stacy in Sony’s animatedSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. On the music side, Steinfeld’s hit singles include “Love Myself” and “Starving,” the latter of which hit No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. She’s represented by CAA, which also reps Reeves along with 3 Arts. King is repped by Verve.
