Winner of the Hugo Award for Best Novella in 1974, the science fiction story The Girl Who Was Plugged In by author James Tiptree, Jr (real name: Alice B Sheldon) is described as being “a surreal dystopian tale” that revolves around “a woman who loses her soul to technology in an effort to be loved.” The Babadook and The Nightingale director Jennifer Kent is gearing up to turn that story into her third feature film, and Deadline reports that Sophie Thatcher of Companion, Heretic, and Yellowjackets has signed on to play the dual lead roles.
What is The Girl Who Was Plugged In about?
Scripted by Kent, this adaptation of Tiptree/Sheldon’s work will see Thatcher taking on the role of disfigured, suicidal young protagonist P Burke, who is hired by a mega tech corporation to virtually operate a beautiful but brainless ‘flesh body’ called Delphi, grown in a lab with the sole purpose of influencing the masses and selling products. As Delphi’s star rises, P Burke becomes enthralled by her and descends into a tech psychosis with disastrous consequences.
Kent is producing the film with Cody Greenwood for Rush Films, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Fred Berger for Range Media Partners, Brandon Millan and Sam Wasson for Felix Farmer Productions, and Hualien Media International. Terris Ko is an executive producer, as is Dani Sommerhauser for Range.
Goodfellas will be launching international sales at the Cannes market. CAA Media Finance and Range Select co-rep U.S. rights.
What has been said about The Girl Who Was Plugged In?
Kent provided the following statement: “I have never felt a more urgent need to make a film as much as I have with The Girl Who Was Plugged In. Even though the original story was published over 50 years ago, its themes are now landing with a searing relevance, as if it was just written. I am so excited to be reteaming with Vincent Maraval and Goodfellas, who I worked with on Babadook. I’m surrounded by a highly gifted team, and we cannot wait to bring this relevant story to audiences.“
Kavanaugh-Jones added, “We believe great films come from the right creative alignment, and this project reflects that. Jennifer is a singular filmmaker, who brings a distinct, cinematic vision that elevates the material, while Goodfellas act as true curators – champions of great art and the artists behind it. We feel lucky to be in business with both.“
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