Production is set to begin on THE HOUSEKEEPER, a major new feature film written by FWA client Dame Rose Tremain, adapted from her own short story and forthcoming novel, and inspired by the origins of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca.
Principal photography will commence on 9 February 2026, with the film directed by multi-award-winning filmmaker Sir Richard Eyre (The Children Act, Notes on a Scandal, Iris). The project brings together an exceptional creative team and cast, marking a significant new screen work from one of Britain’s most celebrated literary voices.
The film stars Helena Bonham Carter, Caitríona Balfe, Emma Laird, and previously announced Sir Anthony Hopkins, whose combined accolades include Academy Awards®, BAFTAs® and Golden Globes®.
Set against the wild and brooding landscape of Cornwall, THE HOUSEKEEPER follows Danni (Balfe), a housekeeper at the grand Manderville Hall, owned by the wealthy widower Lord Grenville-Whithers (Hopkins). When a young Daphne du Maurier (Laird) arrives at the house, Danni is drawn into a clandestine and intoxicating relationship that threatens to unravel under the watchful gaze of Adelaide (Bonham Carter), Lord Grenville-Whithers’ calculating niece. The film explores desire, power and secrecy, weaving an evocative romance that reimagines the emotional terrain behind one of literature’s most enduring gothic classics.
THE HOUSEKEEPER is produced by Julia Taylor-Stanley for Artemis Films, Kevin Loader for Embankment, and Herbert L. Kloiber for Night Train Media, which joins the project as producer and principal financier. Night Train Media will oversee global exploitation in partnership with Embankment Films, who handle worldwide sales. Additional financing comes from Head Gear Films, M2 Mediapost, FireFrame Studios, and Screen Cornwall.
Speaking about the project, Sir Richard Eyre said: “Rose Tremain has written a brilliant screenplay which is dark and surprising and mysterious, and we look forward to making a film which lives up to its promise.”
Producer Julia Taylor-Stanley added: “Assembling a cast of such calibre speaks to the power of Rose’s storytelling, and to Richard’s standing amongst the great British directors. We are thrilled to be working with our talent on bringing this compelling story to the screen.”
Herbert L. Kloiber of Night Train Media commented: “THE HOUSEKEEPER promises audiences an intoxicating blend of passion, elegance, and emotional truth, brought to life through Rose Tremain’s exquisite writing and Richard Eyre’s masterful direction.”
Rose Tremain’s accompanying novel is scheduled for publication in autumn 2026 by Penguin Random House UK and HarperCollins US.
We are incredibly excited for Rose and all THE HOUSEKEEPER team.
FWA represent the Worldwide Film and Dramatic Rights for Rose Tremain’s writing.