Vivien & the Florist
| Vivien & the Florist | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Nick Sandow |
| Written by | Jayce Bartok |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Jo Jo Lam |
Production companies |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Vivien & the Florist is an upcoming American biographical drama film directed by Nick Sandow and written by Jayce Bartok. It depicts the life of Vivien Leigh during the winter of 1966, when she was preparing for her Broadway theatre return for Anton Chekhov's Ivanov. Carla Gugino stars as Leigh, alongside Matthew Modine, David Hyde Pierce, Jack Davenport, Maria-Christina Oliveras, Eoin Macken, and Charlie McDermott.[1]
Premise
The film will explore Leigh’s struggle with bipolar disorder in the 1960s as she prepares to star in the Broadway production of John Gielgud's adaptation of Ivanov by Anton Chekhov. Famed star meets WWII veteran and blue-collar florist Joseph Penn.[2]
Cast
- Carla Gugino as Vivien Leigh[3]
- Matthew Modine as Joseph Penn
- David Hyde Pierce as John Gielgud
- Jack Davenport as Laurence Olivier
- Maria-Christina Oliveras as Peg
- Eoin Macken as John Merivale
- Charlie McDermott as Freddie
- Annie Grant as Francesca
Production
In April 2024, it was reported that a biographical drama film that depicted the life of actress Vivien Leigh during the winter of 1966 was in development, with Nick Sandow directing, Jayce Bartok writing the script, and Carla Gugino cast in the lead role.[4][5] Principal photography wrapped in February 2026, in Philadelphia, with Matthew Modine, David Hyde Pierce, Jack Davenport, Maria-Christina Oliveras, Eoin Macken, Charlie McDermott, and Annie Grant rounding out the cast.[6]
Screenwriter Jayce Bartok wrote the script based on a box of love letters, while director Sandow explained that "What drew me to the project was the script and how it brings together, for a fleeting moment, two human beings who seemingly couldn’t be more different".[4]
References
- ^ Peralta, Diego (April 30, 2024). "Carla Gugino Will Play 'Gone With the Wind' Star Vivien Leigh in Upcoming Biopic". Collider. Retrieved March 5, 2026.
- ^ "Carla Gugino to star as the iconic Vivien Leigh in The Florist".
- ^ Lenker, Maureen (April 30, 2024). "Carla Gugino to portray screen legend Vivien Leigh in biopic The Florist". Entertainment Weekly.
- ^ a b Donnelly, Matt (April 30, 2024). "Carla Gugino to Play 'Gone With the Wind' Star Vivien Leigh in Biopic 'The Florist' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
- ^ Novak, Lauren (November 1, 2024). "Everything We Know About the Vivien Leigh Biopic 'The Florist'". ReMIND Magazine. Retrieved February 18, 2026.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (February 17, 2026). "Carla Gugino To Play 'Gone With The Wind's Vivien Leigh In Indie Drama 'Vivien & The Florist'; Matthew Modine & David Hyde Pierce Also Set". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 18, 2026.