Lily Collins is set to don the iconic persona of Audrey Hepburn in an upcoming film that delves into the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of Hepburn’s legendary role in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s.’ The announcement, made in February 2026, has generated considerable excitement as it coincides with the 65th anniversary of the classic film, which remains one of Hepburn’s most celebrated performances.
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In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, Sean Hepburn Ferrer, the son of Audrey Hepburn, expressed his interest in various renderings of his mother’s life and career, remarking on the multitude of actresses who have emulated her over the years. Ferrer mentioned that interactions with actresses who have portrayed Hepburn have generally been positive, highlighting Collins’ upcoming project as an example of this trend. He stated, “We’ve had several talks about it, and I’ve told her that I think she should do something,” indicating his support for Collins’ portrayal.
The film, which is being developed by screenwriter and producer Alena Smith, is based on Sam Wasson’s nonfiction work, *Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the Dawn of the Modern Woman*. This project promises to offer insight not just into Hepburn’s character Holly Golightly but also into the transformational impact ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ had on cinema and culture in general.
Ferrer admitted that he struggles to conceptualise the film’s meta-narrative, which examines both Hepburn’s life and the filmmaking process itself. He shared that he has exchanged playful ideas with Collins, adding, “I’ve suggested several things to Lily that have made her giggle and laugh.” His enthusiasm is palpable, as he retains fond memories of engaging with actresses like Natalie Portman and Rooney Mara, both of whom he praised as wonderful people, but he believes that Collins carries a unique charm.
Alongside Collins’ project, another film titled ‘Dinner with Audrey’ is also in the pipeline, with Thomasin McKenzie set to take on the role of Hepburn. Ferrer said, “I don’t know much about the project, but it sounds sweet. McKenzie seems like a very serious young actress. I’ve got my fingers crossed,” underscoring his hope for various interpretations of Hepburn’s life to emerge.
The bond between Hepburn and celebrated designer Hubert Givenchy plays a central role in these narratives. Ferrer described their relationship as one filled with mutual admiration, stating, “My mother and Hubert loved each other from afar while standing next to each other. She always said he was the definition of a ‘gentleman’… a gentle man.” This sentiment highlights the profound professional and personal connection they shared, which will likely be explored in both films.
Luca Dotti, Audrey Hepburn’s younger son, also shared his views on Collins’ casting. He expressed curiosity about the project, stating, “I’m a curious bystander and I would love to see it.” Dotti noted that Collins has been frequently cited as a potential successor to his mother, owing to her looks, talents, and the fashion sense that has emerged from her role in ‘Emily in Paris.’
In a heartfelt post on social media, Collins reflected on her long-standing admiration for Hepburn, mentioning that she had been involved in the development of the film for almost a decade. “It’s with almost 10 years of development and a lifetime of admiration and adoration for Audrey that I’m finally able to share this,” Collins wrote, underscoring the emotional significance of the project for her. She added that simply being considered for such an iconic role is an incredible honour.
As anticipation builds for these portrayals, both Ferrer and Dotti’s positive responses suggest a shared hope that these new interpretations will offer fresh insights into their mother’s life and legacy. The forthcoming projects are not only a testament to Audrey Hepburn’s enduring influence in Hollywood but also a celebration of the art of storytelling in film.
With both ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ and ‘Dinner with Audrey’ set to provide glimpses into different facets of the beloved actress’s life, audiences can look forward to a richly layered exploration of one of cinema’s most cherished legends.