Daisy Edgar-Jones, known for her breakout role in Hulu’s “Normal People” and the box office hit “Where the Crawdads Sing,” has exited the role of Carole King in the upcoming biopic “Beautiful.” The film, an adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway musical “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” was set to be directed by Academy Award nominee Lisa Cholodenko.
Edgar-Jones’ departure from the project comes as a surprise to many, especially given her enthusiasm for the role. She had previously expressed her admiration for Carole King and the story, even learning to play the piano in preparation. Despite her exit, the project remains in development at the studio, with the search for a new lead likely underway.
The biopic aims to capture the essence of Carole King’s prolific career, which includes hits like “One Fine Day,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” and “You’ve Got a Friend.” King’s influence extends beyond her own performances, having written chart-topping songs for artists such as Aretha Franklin, Little Eva, and Mariah Carey. Her album “Tapestry” holds the record for the most weeks at No. 1 by a female artist.
Sony, which has secured the rights to King’s songs and life story, has been developing the film for over seven years. The stage version of “Beautiful” ran on Broadway for five years, earning a Tony Award for Jessie Mueller’s portrayal of King. The production closed in October 2019 after 60 previews and 2,418 regular performances.
The film adaptation will be produced by Playtone partners Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, along with Paul Blake, who also produced the stage show. Sherry Kondor, Christine Russell, Steven Shareshian, and Mike Bosner will serve as executive producers. Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg, who co-wrote “The Kids Are All Right,” recently completed a draft of the screenplay.
Edgar-Jones’ career has been on a meteoric rise since her role in “Normal People,” which earned her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination. She has demonstrated her versatility with roles in the comedic thriller “Fresh” and the crime drama “Under the Banner of Heaven.” Her performance in “Where the Crawdads Sing” further solidified her status as a rising star, with the film grossing $140 million globally.
Despite her departure from the Carole King biopic, Edgar-Jones remains a sought-after talent in Hollywood. She is represented by UTA, Hamilton Hodell, Public Eye Communications, and Sloane, Offer, Weber, Dern.
The news of Edgar-Jones’ exit has left fans and industry insiders speculating about who might step into the role of Carole King. The project, with its high-profile producers and beloved source material, remains one of the most anticipated biopics in development. As the studio continues to refine the script and search for a new lead, the legacy of Carole King’s music and story ensures that “Beautiful” will remain a project to watch.
Source: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter
