Lily Collins to Play Audrey Hepburn in Film About ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’

Lily Collins is set to portray screen legend Audrey Hepburn in a new movie about the making of the 1961 classic Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

The film is based on Sam Wasson’s bestselling book Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's and the Dawn of the Modern Woman. The screenplay is written by Alena Smith, creator of the Apple TV+ series Dickinson. The project will explore the behind-the-scenes story of how Breakfast at Tiffany’s was made and its lasting cultural impact.

The book details the film’s dramatic production, including tensions during casting. Author Truman Capote reportedly wanted Marilyn Monroe to play Holly Golightly and felt Paramount Pictures betrayed him by casting Hepburn instead. The story also highlights the contributions of director Blake Edwards and costume designer Edith Head.

Released in 1961, Breakfast at Tiffany’s starred Hepburn as Holly Golightly, a young woman navigating life and love in New York City. George Peppard co-starred as Paul Varjak. The film won two Academy Awards and later became a cultural landmark, entering the U.S. National Film Registry in 2012.

Hepburn, who died in 1993 at age 63, remains a global fashion and film icon. The role further cemented her legacy.

Collins, who has long expressed admiration for Hepburn and bears a noted resemblance to the late star, shared the news on Instagram. She said the project has been in development for nearly 10 years and called the opportunity an honor.

The film is being developed by Collins’ production company, Case Study Films, alongside Imagine Entertainment. Producers include Brian Grazer, Jeb Brody and Justin Wilkes, with Scott LaStaiti also producing. Sam Wasson and others will serve as executive producers.

A release date has not yet been announced.