Cynthia Erivo Will Star in the New Film Adaptation of Prima Facie
Cynthia Erivo is making a big name for herself on the big screen. With the film adaptation of the dramatic one-woman play Prima Facie, Erivo’s name may grow.
There was a recent announcement that the Tony Award winner would be in the film version of Prima Facie. The play began on the West End and is currently on Broadway. Both productions starred Emmy winner Jodie Comer. Comer currently has a Tony nomination for her role in this play. Along with starring in the film version of Prima Facie, Erivo will be executive producing this film under her production company Edith’s Daughter. In addition, the film’s director is Emmy nominee Susanna White.
all rise: superstar Cynthia Erivo will star in a film adaptation of Suzie Miller’s ‘Prime Facie’ 🎭 pic.twitter.com/MZw00yIpef
— Carl Woodward (@mrcarl_woodward) May 15, 2023
Written by Suzie Miller, Prima Facie follows defense attorney Tessa. She started with humble beginnings and worked to the top. Now, she is very reputable in London’s law system, whose specialty is being a lawyer for men that face accusations of sexual assault. However, Tessa soon becomes a victim of assault. This makes her think a lot about her choices, work, and morals.
OMFG CYNTHIA ERIVO AS TESSA!!! I AM DEFO SEATED!!! https://t.co/fE8Xxtjpg3 pic.twitter.com/4hRjvVw0UG
— queenie (@jodiemcoma) May 15, 2023
After a small run in Australia, Prima Facie was on West End in 2022 and ran for two months to positive reviews. At the Olivier Awards, it won Best New Play and Best Actress for Comer. The play went to Broadway in April 2023 and will close in July. Like the West End production, the Broadway production has positive reviews. It also has five Tony nominations. Hopefully, this success translates to film.
Erivo expressed excitement about this project. “I am thrilled to be joining Suzie, Susanna, Participant, Bunya and the rest of the team on this journey. 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.” She continued, “Jodie Comer’s powerhouse exploration of that struggle on Broadway is nothing short of beautiful and heart-wrenching. 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.”
Cynthia is just unstoppable!! Like come on now! Also this story is going to be heart wrenching. I am not ready but also very ready. pic.twitter.com/8O7n9AoJLJ
— Cynthia Erivo Daily (@cynthiaerivo123) May 15, 2023
Miller is also sharing joy about this play becoming a film. “I am thrilled to have the brilliant Cynthia Erivo join this incredible team; she is a highly talented and nuanced actor who will create a bold and dynamic Tessa for the screen,” Miller declared. “I am also excited to be working with such a talented and collaborative director in Susanna White, as well as Bunya Productions and Participant – these are two companies who are truly committed to telling great stories that have real world impact.”
Currently, Erivo is working on the musical Wicked films. She is in the lead role of Elphaba. Pictures from the set display a wickedly fun time. This film will come out in two parts in 2024 and 2025. In addition, Erivo has one Oscar nomination, which she got for the Harriet Tubman biopic Harriet. Between Prima Facie and the Wicked films, she may be aiming for a win.
WHAT omg a Movie adaptation for Prima Facie?😍 Suzie Miller and Jodie Comer literally created such an intelligent, throught-provoking and brilliant piece of art, so unprecedented that they made history. I’m so happy, and Cynthia Erivo will be amazing as Tessa <3 https://t.co/hZ7lU5HTVw
— Dea 💫 (@MorSezen) May 15, 2023
Prima Facie deals with delicate and sensitive matters. It takes a strong actress to deal with that matter. Erivo’s career displays that she has the talent to deal properly with this one-of-a-kind story.
