Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Blume book gets film adaptation
Rachel McAdams and Abby Ryder Fortson are set to star in “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” an adaptation of Judy Blume’s beloved book.
The Lionsgate movie will be written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig. The coming-of-age story centers on Margaret Simon, a sixth-grader who is going through puberty and searches the universe for any answers she can find. It begins production in April.
“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” was first published in 1970. For decades, Blume has been opposed to screen adaptions of her seminal work. But the upcoming version — and casting — comes with Blume’s blessing.
“Abby is funny and tender, strong yet vulnerable. She IS Margaret,” Blume said. “And Rachel — wow! — does it get any better? A funny, loving, sexy, real woman who is also a mom. I can’t wait to see these two playing mother and daughter. It all began with trusting Kelly and Jim and they’ve proven how much this project means to them, which means everything to me.”
Blume will serve as a producer on the film, along with Fremon Craig and James L. Brooks. Fremon Craig and Brooks previously teamed on the 2016 comedic drama “The Edge of Seventeen” with Hailee Steinfeld and Woody Harrelson.
As for casting McAdams and Fortson, Freemon Craig says “there couldn’t be a better combination to bring Judy Blume’s much-beloved characters to life on screen.”
Harry and Meghan decision Buckingham final: Palace confirmed Friday that Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, will not be returning to royal duties, and Harry will give up his honorary military titles, a decision that makes formal, and final, the couple’s split from the royal family.
The palace said in a statement that the couple have verified “they will not be returning as working members of The Royal Family.”
It said Queen Elizabeth II had spoken to Harry and confirmed “that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family, it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.”
A spokesperson for the couple hit back at suggestions that Meghan and Harry were not devoted to duty.
“As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the U.K. and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organizations they have represented regardless of official role,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.” More stars join Globe presenters: Kevin Bacon, Sterling K. Brown, Michael Douglas, Kyra Sedgwick, Susan Kelechi Watson and Catherine Zeta-Jones will serve as presenters at the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Dick Clark Productions and NBC announced.
Douglas and wife Zeta-Jones will take the stage together to present from the Rainbow Room in New York. Bacon, Sedgwick and Brown will present from the Beverly Hilton Ballroom in Los Angeles, along with Watson.
The ceremony will air live on Feb. 28 from 8-11 p.m. ET on NBC and will be available to stream on Peacock the following day.
Feb. 20 birthdays: Actor Sidney Poitier is 94. Singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie is 80. Actor Sandy Duncan is 75. Actor Willie Garson is 57. Actor Model Cindy Crawford is 55. Actor Lili Taylor is 54. Actor Jay Hernandez is 43. Actor Chelsea Peretti is 43. “A Prairie Home Companion” host Chris Thile is 40. Comedian Trevor Noah is 37. Actor Miles Teller is 34. Singer Rihanna is 33.