Netflix has acquired the rights to turn Dumplin', the best-selling YA novel by Julie Murphy, into a movie that is set to star Jennifer Aniston.
The film's soundtrack will feature Dolly Parton's most famous songs in addition to six new, original tracks written by Linda Perry and the musician herself. To promote the film's soundtrack, a new version of Parton's 1971 hit "Here I Am" will be released.
I'm thrilled to tell y'all @netflix is releasing Dumplin', a movie I've been working on with some very talented folks The soundtrack releases worldwide Nov. 30th & the film will be out later this year! Stay tuned! https://t.co/jR9UxOZKcq — Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) September 12, 2018
Dumplin' Plot, Cast, Release Date
In the film, Jennifer Aniston's character will be an ex-beauty queen and a mother of Willowdean Dickinson, played by Danielle MacDonald, a plus-sized teen. The teen actress notably garnered amazing reviews when she portrayed a rapper from New Jersey in Patti Cake$. She will also star in Unbelievable along with Merritt Wever and Toni Colette that will be shown on CBS.
In the film, which will hit Netflix later this year, Willowdean signs up for her mother's pageant as a form of protest. This bold move will eventually revolutionize the contest and her hometown. It will be directed by The Proposal director, Anne Fletcher.
Other stars that were cast for the movie are Odeya Rush, Harold Perrineau, Dove Cameron, Ginger Minj, and Bex Taylor-Klaus. The script will be done by Kristin Hahn.
Aside from featuring music icon Dolly Parton on its soundtrack, musicians Elle King, Alison Krauss, Rhonda Vincent, Sia, Mavis Staples, and Miranda Lambert are also onboard.
Additionally, Aniston also serves as the movie's co-executive producer alongside Danny Nozell. The actress is expected to not only act for the film, but also belt out some songs.
Aside from Dumplin', Aniston will also appear in Murder Mystery, another Netflix original in which she will work alongside Adam Sandler. Moreover, the actress is also rumored to be working on a series with Reese Witherspoon for Apple TV, a rival of Netflix.
New Era For Netflix
The music-filled movie is set for release in the United States and other international countries. Additionally, it will also be shown in limited theaters. Notably, Netflix is giving theatrical releases a shot in the hopes of being nominated for an Oscar.
In fact, Roma, which was directed by Alfonso Cuarón and won in the Venice Film Festival, is expected to be part of the company's Oscar bets together with Ballad of Buster Scruggs as directed by the Coen Brothers, and 22 July by Paul Greengrass.
Despite this, it is still unclear whether or not Dumplin' will be nominated for any awards. With her recent recognition for her performance in Cake, Aniston might be up for her first Oscar nomination.
