Leslye Headland’s ‘Cult of Love’ Set For Feature Film Adaptation

A feature film adaptation of Leslye Headland’s stage play Cult of Love is in development. 

Under their production company, Gloria Sanchez Productions, Will Ferrell and Jessica Elbaum will oversee the movie adaption of the stage play. Headland is responsible for writing and directing the film’s screenplay.

The Broadway play, staged from November 2024 to January 2025, revolves around the theme of ‘deep-seated pride’ as a family reunites at their parents’ home for Christmas. This critically acclaimed production took place at the Second Stage’s Hayes Theater and featured actors like Shailene Woodley, Zachary Quinto, and Barbie Ferreira. Future casting details for the film adaptation will be shared in due time.

Previously, Ferrell and Elbaum were responsible for directing Headland’s movies, such as “Bachelorette” featuring Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, and the film “Sleeping with Other People” starring Jason Sudeikis and Alison Brie. Additionally, Headland served as the creator and executive producer for the Disney+ “Star Wars” series titled “The Acolyte.

Headland’s works have been staged multiple times, such as ‘Bachelorette’, which was presented by Second Stage Theater in its Uptown Series, and ‘The Layover’, previously performed at the Kiser Theater, now under Second Stage’s ownership. Prior to this, she created a series of plays titled ‘Seven Deadly Plays‘, with ‘Cult of Love’ serving as the concluding piece in that collection.

Leslye’s voice stands out – it’s darkly amusing, remarkably insightful, and strikingly human,” Elbaum remarked. “We can’t wait to assist in spreading the word about Cult of Love to a broader public.

Working on ‘Cult of Love’ alongside Will and Jessica, two producers known for their daring and unabashed narratives, feels like a creative return. This tale has resonated within me deeply for years, and I am thrilled to finally bring it to life with partners who appreciate its raw emotion and complexity.

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2025-04-17 17:54