Wheatley to helm Netflix Rebecca adaptation

Netflix has ordered an adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s gothic novel Rebecca with UK director Ben Wheatley (Kill List) set to direct.

Ben Wheatley

The show is from UK prodco Working Title and will be written by Jane Goldman (Kingsman, X-Men: First Class), with Lily James (Darkest Hour) and Armie Hammer (Call Me By Your Name) set to star.

The novel tells the story of a newly married young woman who, on arriving at her husband’s imposing family estate on a bleak English coast, finds herself battling the shadow of his dead first wife, the mysterious Rebecca, whose legacy continues to haunt the house.

Working Title’s Eric Fellner will exec produce along with Tim Bevan and Nira Park.

Earlier this week Sky’s director of drama Anne Mensah revealed she would be leaving the European satcaster after seven years to join the global streaming giant.

Mensah will join Netflix as its first London-based VP of content, reporting to VP of original content Cindy Holland, as part of the streamer’s plans to expand its UK operations and output.