Full Breakdown
Lulu Wang to Direct Live-Action Adaptation of "Audition" Starring Lucy Liu and Charles Melton
9/10/2025, 11:47:44 PM
Overview of the Project
Lulu Wang is set to direct a live-action adaptation of Katie Kitamura’s Booker Prize-longlisted novel "Audition," with Lucy Liu and Charles Melton attached to star. The film is a collaboration between Barack and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Productions and Laika, the studio renowned for its stop-motion animation. Wang will co-write the screenplay with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Martyna Majok. The narrative centers on a celebrated actress whose upscale New York lifestyle is disrupted by a young man claiming to be her long-lost son, leading to a complex exploration of identity and performance.
Key Figures Involved
- Lulu Wang: Known for her acclaimed film "The Farewell," Wang will direct and co-write the adaptation. She expressed excitement about collaborating with Liu and Melton, stating, “They’re both such magnetic performers.”
- Lucy Liu: A prominent actress recognized for her roles in "Kill Bill" and "Charlie’s Angels," Liu will play a leading role in the film.
- Charles Melton: Known for his performances in "May December" and "Warfare," Melton will also star in the adaptation.
- Higher Ground Productions: Founded by Barack and Michelle Obama, the company has produced several notable films, including the Oscar-winning "American Factory."
- Laika: The studio is celebrated for its animated features like "Coraline" and "Kubo and the Two Strings," and is now expanding into live-action storytelling.
Official Statements & Responses
Anikah McLaren, head of film at Higher Ground, praised "Audition" as a “masterfully crafted psychological thriller” that delves into themes of identity and deception. Matt Levin, president of live-action film and series at Laika, highlighted the studio's commitment to bold storytelling, stating, “Katie Kitamura’s ‘Audition’ is exactly that.” President Barack Obama included the novel in his 2025 Summer reading list, describing it as a “quiet novel about the ways we hide our true selves from others – and ourselves.”
Background of the Novel
"Audition," published by Riverhead Books, follows a celebrated actress living a bohemian life in Manhattan. The plot thickens when a mysterious young man appears, claiming to be her son, leading to a narrative that intertwines themes of identity, guilt, and the roles individuals perform in their lives.
Upcoming Projects and Industry Context
The adaptation of "Audition" is part of a broader trend of live-action projects being developed by Laika, which is also working on titles such as "Crumble" and an adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel "Atmosphere." This shift marks a significant expansion for Laika, traditionally known for its stop-motion animation.
Conclusion
With a talented team led by Lulu Wang and a compelling source material, the adaptation of "Audition" promises to explore intricate themes of identity and self-discovery. As the project progresses, it will be closely watched by both industry insiders and audiences eager for innovative storytelling.
