Anna Kendrick Addresses Next Movie As Director After Woman Of The Hour Success: “It’s Been Very Daunting”

Woman of the Hour director Anna Kendrick discussed plans for her next movie after the success of her directorial debut. Woman of the Hour currently has a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, and tells the true story of Sheryl Bradshaw, played by Kendrick, who appeared on an episode of The Dating Game in 1978, which also included a contestant who was later revealed to be serial killer Rodney Alcala. In addition to Kendrick, the cast of Woman of the Hour includes Daniel Zovatto, Autumn Best, Nicolette Robinson, and Tony Hale.

Following her successful directorial debut, Kendrick admits to Variety that she currently does not know what her next movie will be. Originally, Kendrick was doubtful Woman of the Hour would be successful at all. However, after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024, Netflix purchased the movie, and Woman of the Hour has received a slew of positive reviews. She also amusingly admits that filmmakers who previously rejected her for movies have reached out since Woman of the Hour’s release. Read her full quote below:

I haven’t found anything that I’m as passionate about because I think I really hit the jackpot with ‘Woman of the Hour’ — the script and the actors and everything about it. So it’s been very daunting to try to find something that I care that much about.

It’s been really cool. The coolest thing is some of the filmmakers who’ve reached out to me are people who I auditioned for 15 years ago, and they didn’t cast me… It feels very full circle.

What Woman Of The Hour’s Success Means For Kendrick’s Career

Kendrick Will Likely Return To The Director’s Chair After Woman Of The Hour

Prior to Woman of the Hour’s release, Kendrick was known as an accomplished actor, having starred in the Pitch Perfect movies, as well as films like A Simple Favor and Self Reliance. Although, Kendrick now has a very impressive directing credit, and many are eager to know when she will next step behind the camera. The success of Woman of the Hour will likely open up many opportunities for Kendrick. In addition to future acting roles, it is possible that Kendrick will also be sought out to direct movies.

Related

Woman Of The Hour: How Serial Killer Rodney Alcala Was Caught

Rodney Alcala was not caught on national television in Woman of The Hour, but by a teenager who narrowly escaped him two years later in the desert.

However, as Kendrick mentioned, it will be hard for her to find a project that will match the passion she had for Woman of the Hour. While Kendrick’s character in the movie got away from Rodney Alcala, Woman of the Hour tells the story of many women who were raped and murdered by Alcala. Therefore, Kendrick believed Woman of the Hour’s story was an important one to tell to make people aware of the horrors that women have to worry about on a daily basis.

It’s Too Soon To Assume She Already Has Another Directing Job Lined Up

Woman of the Hour was only released on Netflix in October 2024, so it is likely that Kendrick has not even had enough time to properly think about what her next film could be. Therefore, it is completely reasonable that she doesn’t have a plan for her next film. Furthermore, it is better for Kendrick to take slightly longer to make another movie if it means that the story will be just as impactful as the one told in Woman of the Hour.

Source: Variety

Woman of the Hour is a biographical thriller directed by Anna Kendrick, who also stars in the film. The movie chronicles the infamous real-life story of Cheryl Bradshaw’s appearance on the 1978 edition of The Dating Game, where one of the contestants, Rodney Alcala, would later be revealed as a notorious serial killer. The film delves into the chilling intersection of entertainment and true crime.

Director

Anna Kendrick

Release Date

September 26, 2023

Studio(s)

AGC Studios , Vertigo Entertainment , BoulderLight Pictures

Distributor(s)

Netflix

Writers

Ian MacAllister McDonald

Runtime

94 Minutes

Cast

Anna Kendrick , Daniel Zovatto , Autumn Best , Andy Thompson , David Beairsto , Tighe Gill , Bonnie Hay , Thomas Strumpski , Nicolette Robinson , Kathryn Gallagher , Kelley Jakle , Tony Hale

Character(s)

Cheryl Bradshaw , Rodney Alcala , Amy , Bob , Rodney’s Boss , Bachelor , Bartender , Laundromat Owner

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