Lily Collins Set to Portray Audrey Hepburn in New Film Exploring the Making of Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Lily Collins, the celebrated star of Netflix’s Emily in Paris, is poised to step into the iconic shoes of Audrey Hepburn for an upcoming cinematic project that explores the golden age of cinema. This film will delve deep into the behind-the-scenes narrative of the 1961 classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved masterpiece. Rather than a traditional remake, the production serves as a meticulous reconstruction of the original filming process, providing a window into the complexities of Hollywood production. It draws its inspiration from Sam Wasson’s acclaimed 2010 non-fiction work, 5th Avenue, 5 AM: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman, which remains a definitive text on the subject.

The project has been in development for approximately a decade, reflecting a deep personal commitment from Collins, who is also taking on the role of producer to ensure the vision remains authentic. The screenplay is being penned by Alena Smith, the creative force behind the Apple TV+ series Dickinson, who has earned a reputation for her bold and modern approach to historical narratives. Smith is well-regarded for her nuanced ability to breathe life into period pieces, making her the ideal choice for this script. This new feature promises to illuminate the dramatic tensions that occurred during production, including the creative friction and artistic disagreements that defined the set of the original 1961 masterpiece.

A central theme of the film will be the historical disagreement between author Truman Capote and Paramount Studios regarding the casting of the lead character, Holly Golightly. Capote famously championed Marilyn Monroe for the role, believing she possessed the specific vulnerability and complexity required for the character as he had written it. In fact, screenwriter George Axelrod had initially tailored the script to suit Monroe’s unique screen presence and comedic timing. However, Monroe ultimately declined the opportunity, choosing instead to star in the 1961 film The Misfits, a decision that would change the course of cinematic history and pave the way for Hepburn’s legendary performance.

Monroe’s decision was heavily influenced by her mentor, Lee Strasberg, who expressed concern that playing a lady of the night archetype might negatively impact her public image and career trajectory. This upcoming film will explore the pivotal moment when the myth of Holly Golightly was forged and Hepburn’s cultural status as a style icon was cemented. The narrative will feature real-life figures from the era, including director Blake Edwards and the legendary costume designer Edith Head, who helped create the film's visual language. Wasson’s source material captures a transformative period in American history, as the conservative Eisenhower years transitioned into the sophisticated and vibrant glamour of the Kennedy era.

The original 1961 production was a significant commercial success, earning 14 million dollars at the global box office against what was then a modest budget of 2.5 million dollars. It was filmed on location in the bustling streets of New York City and within the historic confines of Paramount’s Hollywood studios. For Lily Collins, who has frequently been compared to Hepburn due to their striking physical resemblance and shared poise, this role represents the realization of a decade-long ambition. Her admiration for Hepburn extends far beyond the screen, as she has often cited the late actress’s humanitarian legacy as a UNICEF ambassador as a primary source of inspiration for her own career and life.

While a director for the project has yet to be officially announced, the film is expected to be a profound study of how Hollywood constructs feminine ideals and the price of fame. It aims to dissect the creation of an enduring aura that continues to influence modern perceptions of style, fashion, and womanhood. By revisiting the birth of a cultural phenomenon, the movie will highlight how the industry manufactured a standard of elegance that remains remarkably relevant more than sixty years later. This exploration of the Hepburn style will provide audiences with a new understanding of how a single film can redefine the cultural landscape of an entire generation.