Broadway’s ‘Cult of Love’ Set for Film Adaptation Under Playwright Leslye Headland’s Direction

New York, NY – Leslye Headland’s compelling family drama, “Cult of Love,” which recently concluded its run on Broadway during the 2024-2025 season, is officially slated for a feature film adaptation. The transition of the critically noted stage production to the big screen marks a significant development, with Headland herself poised to helm the project, undertaking both the screenwriting and directing duties.

From Stage to Screen

The move to adapt “Cult of Love” for motion picture reflects the enduring appeal of strong theatrical narratives in the cinematic landscape. At the center of this adaptation effort is the producing team of Will Ferrell and Jessica Elbaum, operating under their distinguished banner, Gloria Sanchez Productions.

Gloria Sanchez Productions is set to produce the film, signaling a continued commitment from the company to bringing compelling stories to broader audiences. The production house is recognized within the industry, including receiving a Tony Award nomination, highlighting their engagement and success across different entertainment mediums.

This project also represents a reunion between Headland and Gloria Sanchez Productions. The company previously collaborated with Headland on her films “Bachelorette” and “Sleeping with Other People,” suggesting a productive and established working relationship that is now extending to the adaptation of her stage work.

The Broadway Journey

“Cult of Love” had a defined, impactful presence during its limited engagement on Broadway. The play was produced by Second Stage Theater, a prominent non-profit theater company known for presenting new and established American plays.

The production began its preview performances on November 20, 2024, generating early interest from audiences and critics alike. It officially opened its run on December 12, 2024, at the historic Hayes Theater, a venue steeped in Broadway history located in the heart of the theater district. The play concluded its scheduled limited engagement on February 2, 2025, wrapping up its contribution to the 2024-2025 Broadway season.

Leslye Headland’s Dual Role

Leslye Headland’s decision to write the screenplay and direct the film adaptation of her own play is a notable aspect of this production. As the original playwright, Headland possesses an intimate understanding of the material, its characters, themes, and intended emotional impact. This dual role provides a unique opportunity to translate her original vision from the theatrical medium to cinema, ensuring artistic continuity and fidelity to the source material.

Headland is an artist with a versatile background, having worked across theater, film, and television. Her experience in multiple disciplines positions her well to navigate the distinct demands of stage writing and directing versus screenwriting and film direction. Her previous collaborations with Gloria Sanchez Productions on films like “Bachelorette” and “Sleeping with Other People” demonstrate her capability in the feature film realm and the confidence placed in her by the producing team.

Significance of the Adaptation

The adaptation of a recent Broadway play for film underscores the valuable synergy between live theater and motion pictures. Successful stage productions often possess robust narratives and well-developed characters that resonate with audiences, making them attractive candidates for cinematic treatment. A film adaptation has the potential to reach a significantly larger global audience than a Broadway run, even a successful one, extending the life and impact of the story.

While details regarding casting, production timelines, and filming locations for the “Cult of Love” motion picture are yet to be publicly announced, the confirmation of the project with Headland at the helm and backed by Gloria Sanchez Productions indicates that active development is underway.

Looking Ahead

The journey of “Cult of Love” from the Hayes Theater stage to potentially screens worldwide is a testament to the power of its storytelling. With Leslye Headland guiding its transition and the support of experienced producers like Will Ferrell and Jessica Elbaum’s Gloria Sanchez Productions, the film adaptation is poised to become a keenly anticipated project for those who experienced the play or are drawn to compelling family narratives translated through a unique artistic vision. The industry will be watching as this Broadway favorite takes its next step into the cinematic spotlight.