Films

Francesca Gregorini to Direct Anna Nicole Smith Biopic “Hurricana”

Smith: Inside Edition/YouTube

Last month, news broke that Ursula Macfarlane is working on a documentary about Anna Nicole Smith. Now there’s word that another story about the late model is on the way, also from a woman director. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Francesca Gregorini (“Killing Eve”) will helm and produce “Hurricana,” set during the last days of Smith’s life. Sierra/Affinity is shopping the project at the European Film Market.

Holly Hunter is in talks to star in the film as “Smith’s devoted therapist, Khristine (Hunter), who in an attempt to save her client’s life embarks on a 36-hour odyssey in which she unknowingly delivers the fatal blow,” per the source. The pic is described as “a story of the immense hurricane-like force that was Smith and the fateful string of events” that preceded her death.

Smith was born Vickie Lynn Hogan. After breaking out with her modeling career, she became a tabloid staple when she married 89-year-old oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II, and made further headlines in her legal battle for his estate following his death. Smith, and her struggles with drug addiction and involvement in paternity lawsuits, were the subject of much late-night “humor” that dehumanized her, reducing her to a punchline. The star of E!’s “The Anna Nicole Show” died in 2007 after accidentally overdosing on prescription drugs.

Gregorini directed episodes of Hulu’s upcoming Elizabeth Holmes’ series “The Dropout,” premiering March 3. Her other credits include “Killing Eve,” “Tanner Hall,” and “Humans.”

Hunter won an Oscar for her leading role in Jane Campion’s “The Piano,” and received nods for “Thirteen,” “The Firm,” and “Broadcast News.” “Mr. Mayor,” “The Comey Rule,” and “Succession” are among her more recent credits.


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