Black Bear and Hope Studios have announced that Academy Award-winner Angelina Jolie will star in the feature adaptation of Anxious People, directed by BAFTA-nominated Marc Forster (known for A Man Called Otto, World War Z, and Quantum of Solace). The film is based on the #1 New York Times bestseller by Fredrik Backman, the author of A Man Called Ove. This heartwarming tale reunites the key team behind the 2022 film A Man Called Otto, which grossed over $110 million and achieved a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Academy Award-nominated screenwriter David Magee (A Man Called Otto, Life of Pi) adapts the novel for the screen. Hope Studios’ Fredrik Wikström Nicastro and Renée Wolfe (also from A Man Called Otto) will produce, with Marc Forster, David Magee, and Neda Backman as executive producers. Black Bear will present the film to buyers at the Cannes Film Market, with WME Independent handling the US rights.
Set on Christmas Eve, Anxious People follows Zara (played by Jolie), an investment banker who reluctantly finds herself trapped with strangers at an open house, only to be held hostage by a bungling bank robber. Chaos, oversharing, and unexpected revelations unfold as the strangers bond, revealing shared vulnerabilities. The story explores themes of friendship, forgiveness, and hope—offering an uplifting perspective on human connection, even in times of anxiety.
Angelina Jolie is one of Hollywood’s most influential actresses and filmmakers. Her films have grossed over $6 billion globally, with roles in Maleficent, Salt, and an Academy Award-winning performance in Girl, Interrupted. She also directed Unbroken and First They Killed My Father, both critically acclaimed.
Marc Forster, known for Monster’s Ball, Finding Neverland, and World War Z, continues to build on his diverse career. His direction in Anxious People marks a reunion with screenwriter David Magee, who has adapted numerous literary works into celebrated films, including Life of Pi and Mary Poppins Returns.
Fredrik Backman, whose novels have sold millions worldwide, brings his signature storytelling to the screen once again. His other works include Beartown and My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry. His next novel, My Friends, will be published in May 2025.
Producers Fredrik Wikström Nicastro and Renée Wolfe expressed excitement about the project, praising Backman’s ability to connect with audiences through deeply human stories. They also noted that the team from A Man Called Otto, including Marc Forster and David Magee, would bring a unique warmth to this adaptation.
Marc Forster remarked on the film’s theme of generosity and human connection, stating, “Anxious People is a story filled with humor, heart, chaos, and unexpected hope,” while Fredrik Backman expressed pride in the team, saying the project’s vision had come to life beautifully.
Hope Studios is actively developing other projects, including The Night House and The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, while Black Bear’s upcoming slate includes Train Dreams, The Rivals of Amziah King, and several high-profile films starring Matthew McConaughey, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Jason Statham.