Lily Collins Secures Audrey Hepburn Role After Decade-Long Campaign
The announcement that Lily Collins will portray Audrey Hepburn in an upcoming biopic has ignited a passionate debate among film enthusiasts and fans. While Collins has dedicated nearly ten years to securing this dream role, supporters of pop star Ariana Grande have expressed outrage, claiming she was "born to play the part."
A Subtle Ten-Year Homage
For the past decade, Lily Collins has been quietly paying tribute to Audrey Hepburn, admiring the late actress in interviews and subtly replicating her iconic style. This persistent effort has now culminated in her casting for a film about the making of Hepburn's legendary 1961 movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Collins shared her excitement on Instagram, stating, "It's with almost 10 years of development and a lifetime of admiration and adoration for Audrey that I'm finally able share this. Honored and ecstatic don't begin to express how I feel…"
Emily in Paris as a Tribute Platform
Collins' role in Netflix's Emily in Paris served as a covert platform for her homage to Hepburn. From the very first episode, viewers witnessed Collins' character, Emily Cooper, channeling Hepburn's elegance. In a standout scene, Emily descends a grand staircase in an off-the-shoulder black dress, mirroring Hepburn's iconic moment in the 1957 film Funny Face.
Further references abound throughout the series:
- The promotional poster for season four features Collins in a red satin gown and opera gloves, directly echoing Hepburn's "Take the picture" scene from Funny Face.
- In another episode, Collins replicates Hepburn's 1963 look from Charade, complete with black sunglasses and a faux-fur coat against a snowy backdrop.
- Episode three sees Emily wearing a black and white striped ensemble and dramatic hat, a nod to Hepburn's 1964 My Fair Lady appearance.
- Season four includes an episode titled "Roman Holiday," where Emily dons a voluminous midi skirt, white short-sleeved shirt, and neck scarf, virtually identical to Hepburn's outfit in the classic film.
Costume designer Marylin Fitoussi even sourced the exact pair of Pierre Marly glasses worn by Hepburn, underscoring the meticulous attention to detail in Collins' tribute.
Proving Her Suitability
Collins has repeatedly demonstrated her affinity for Hepburn's style beyond the screen. In a 2023 photoshoot for Harper's Bazaar UK, she wore a black strapless dress and long gloves, reminiscent of Hepburn's Breakfast at Tiffany's look, and a stylish hat and veil echoing Charade.
Collins has publicly praised Hepburn's "timeless features, elegance and charm," aligning herself with the legacy of the Hollywood icon, who won an Oscar for Roman Holiday and starred in classics like Sabrina and Breakfast at Tiffany's.
Fan Backlash and Ariana Grande's Aspirations
Despite Collins' extensive preparation, the casting decision has faced criticism from Ariana Grande's fanbase. Many took to social media to voice their disappointment, with comments such as:
- "ARIANA GRANDE WAS THERE FOR THIS ROLE I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE CHOICE"
- "Ariana Grande right now after changing her look and personality trying to get cast as Audrey"
- "WTF!!! Ariana was BORN to play Audrey!!!"
- "They're dead wrong for not casting Ariana knowing she's literally transformed her whole image after Audrey."
Grande, who earned critical acclaim for her role in Wicked, has expressed interest in portraying Hepburn in the past, fueling her supporters' frustration.
The Upcoming Biopic
The film will be based on Sam Wasson's book, Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast At Tiffany's And The Dawn Of The Modern Woman, which provides a comprehensive account of the making of Hepburn's most famous film. It explores the story of Holly Golightly, a New York socialite whose past threatens a budding romance, a role that earned Hepburn an Oscar nomination in 1962.
As Collins prepares for this significant role, the fifth season of Emily in Paris was released on Netflix in December, with the show already renewed for a sixth season expected later this year. Meanwhile, Grande is set to star in the sequel Focker-In-Law and will embark on her Eternal Sunshine tour in June.
The casting of Lily Collins as Audrey Hepburn highlights the intersection of dedication, fandom, and cinematic legacy, setting the stage for a highly anticipated biopic that promises to delve into the life of one of Hollywood's most enduring icons.
