Fans upset as Jessica Chastain rules out playing Evelyn Hugo in 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Jessica Chastain has ruled out playing the iconic role of Evelyn Hugo in the Netflix adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s bestselling novel 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.'

The actress said she loves the fan base of the book, but there is “zero possibility” for her to star in the film as reported by E! News.

Jessica Chastain say she was sorry disappoint everyone 

She told the pulication that she loved the excitement of fans anticipating her role in the movie. But now she is looking forward to watching the movie rather than acting in it.

"But I love how excited the fans are," Jessica said, adding "When I was working on Broadway, every single day, they'd be outside, when I was signing, with the books. I just love how wonderful that fan base is."

She continued, "I look forward to watching it and I'm sorry to disappoint everyone out there!"

Jessica Chastain felt signing the book was like taking credit for someone else’s work

Chastain revealed in April that she declined to sign the physical novel for fans who waited outside the stage door.

She explained by posting on X that she felt it was “taking credit for someone else’s work” and that she had not read a “bad script.” She also said that she had not been offered the role or seen a script for the film.

Jessica Chastain had previously expressed interest in playing Celia St James

The news comes as a surprise to many fans who had hoped to see Chastain play Evelyn Hugo, the Hollywood legend who chooses a young journalist to write her biography after she dies.

The novel explores Evelyn’s glamorous and scandalous life, including her seven marriages and her secret love affair with Celia St James, her rival turned confidante.

Chastain had previously shown interest in playing Celia in the film adaptation which is set to be directed by Leslye Headland and written by Liz Tigelaar.

In January, she said on 'Watch What Happens Live' that she was aware of the online campaign for her to play Celia and that she was open to the idea. “Sure, send me a script,” she said.

Fans react to Jessica Chastain’s announcement with sadness and curiosity

Chastain’s confirmation that she won’t be playing Evelyn Hugo or Celia St James has left many fans disappointed and wondering who will take on the roles.

On X, formerly Twitter, fans expressed their sadness and curiosity. “I wonder what’s the reason,” one wrote.

Another fan wrote, “Great loss for a movie” while one commented, “We definitely lost her.”

Another fan wrote, “It’s a shame Jessica Chastain won’t be in the Netflix adaptation of ‘THE SEVEN HUSBANDS OF EVELYN HUGO,’ but I’m still excited to see who will bring Celia St James to life on screen.”

Another one wrote, “That’s so disappointing.”