Cynthia Erivo Cast in Film of Jodie Comer’s Hit Play ‘Prima Facie’

Variety can exclusively reveal that Cynthia Erivo will play the lead role in the movie version of the hit stage production “Prime Facie.”

On Monday, The applicant and Bunya Productions revealed that Oscar nominee Erivo is playing the part created by Jodie Comer on Broadway and in the West End. Erivo will also serve as the project’s executive producer under her Edith’s Daughter banner.

Susanna White (“Woman Walks Ahead,” “Star Wars: Andor”) will direct. She is a BAFTA winner and an Emmy nominee. Suzie Miller transformed her own widely praised stage play into a movie.

“Prima Facie,” which translates to “at first sight,” tells the compelling tale of Tessa, an aspirational and self-assured defense lawyer.

The rising star in the elite London legal system, who is from the working class, expertly represents her clients, including those accused of se*ual assault.

However, she finds out that the law does not provide justice along the lines of consent after being raped by a coworker.

“I am thrilled to be joining Suzie, Susanna, Participant, Bunya and the rest of the team on this journey,” Erivo said in a statement to Variety. “Tessa’s experience sheds such vulnerable light on the complex conversations around consent and sexual abuse and the law that surrounds it, which is all too relatable for so many and timely for all.”

Erivo, currently working on the eagerly anticipated “Wicked” film adaptation, also praised “Ki!!ing Eve” star Comer for her Tessa stage performance, for which she recently received a Tony nomination and an Olivier Award.

You can also take a look at the tweet provided by Film Updates below:

Cynthia Erivo to star in ‘PRIMA FACIE’ movie adaptation.

(https://t.co/lcGzs83lGU) pic.twitter.com/PhD0TSSaTl

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) May 15, 2023

“Jodie Comer’s powerhouse exploration of that struggle on Broadway is nothing short of beautiful and heart-wrenching,” told Erivo. “When I read this script I knew it was important work to do. I look forward to getting to know who Tessa is to me as ‘Prima Facie’ goes from stage to screen.”

Together with Participant Greer Simpkin, David Jowsey, and Jenny Cooney of Bunya will produce the movie. Along with Erivo, Miller, Solome Williams, and Jeff Skoll of Participant will executive produce. Robert Kessel and Elizabeth Haggard will handle project management for Participants.

Playwright Miller described Erivo as “a highly talented and nuanced actor who will create a bold and dynamic Tessa for the screen.” David Linde, CEO of Participant, said he saw the play in London and was “blown away by Suzie’s work, and I’ve known Susanna long enough to know that I cannot wait for this story to be reinvented for the screen through her lens.”

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The play debuted in Australia in 2020 and is currently being presented in over 25 nations. In addition to winning the 2023 Olivier Awards over most perfect new space and best actress, it has received four Tony Award nominations. The play also swept the Australian Writers Guild Awards.

UTA, Authentic Talent and Literary Management, Peikoff Mahan, and The Lede Company represent Erivo. Casarotto Ramsay & Associates and CAA both represent White. HLA Management and The Agency are Miller’s agents.

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