Sarah Polley's Bell Jar film adaptation filming in Toronto with Billie Eilish starring
The cinematic debut of pop artist Billie Eilish in the lead role of Esther Greenwood has been in production since late June, with recent filming wrapping at Parkwood National Historic Site in Oshawa.
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Filmmaker Sarah Polley is bringing Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar to screen with an unusual yet compelling casting choice: moody alt-pop artist Billie Eilish will play the lead role of Esther Greenwood, marking the musician's cinematic debut.
Production began in late June, and over the weekend came word that actor Connor Storrie will also appear in the film. The Parkwood National Historic Site, a turn-of-the-century mansion in Oshawa frequently used as a film set, posted a now-deleted Instagram reel confirming "camera wrap on Parkwood's role in the Sarah Polley–directed film, The Bell Jar, starring Billie Eilish in her cinematic debut, along with Connor Storrie."
Storrie, who originally hails from Texas, was reportedly on location in the Durham region, likely with Eilish. The production team has not yet publicly addressed Storrie's involvement.
ACTRA issued an open call for background actors willing to "adapt appearance to 1950s style." The film is set against Plath's mid-century world, with production unfolding across Toronto-area locations including Oshawa.
Eilish's rapid ascent mirrors Polley's own experience as a child actor, a connection that may explain why Polley has kept details of her casting choices relatively close to the chest — she understands firsthand the scrutiny and pressures that accompany sudden stardom.
The details
Who is directing The Bell Jar film adaptation?
Sarah Polley is directing the film adaptation of The Bell Jar.
Who is starring as Esther Greenwood?
Billie Eilish is starring as Esther Greenwood in her cinematic debut.
When did production begin?
Production began in late June 2026.
What other actor is in the film?
Connor Storrie also appears in the film, as confirmed by the Parkwood National Historic Site's now-deleted Instagram post.
Where is the film being shot?
The film is being shot across Toronto-area locations including Oshawa, with filming at Parkwood National Historic Site, a turn-of-the-century mansion in Oshawa.
