Audrey Hepburn’s son Sean Ferrer reacts to Lily Collins playing the icon in new film

Actor Lily Collins will take on the role of screen icon Audrey Hepburn in a new film that explores the period surrounding the production of the classic movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

The project, based on Sam Wasson’s book Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the Dawn of the Modern Woman, will explore a key moment in Hepburn’s career during the making of the iconic 1961 film. The casting announcement has sparked debate online, with fans split over whether Collins is the right choice to portray the celebrated star.

Lily Collins cast as Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s era film

According to Fox News Digital, the upcoming film will centre on the period when Hepburn filmed Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

The movie draws from Wasson’s book about the actress and the cultural moment surrounding the classic film.Sean Hepburn Ferrer, Hepburn’s son and author of the biography Intimate Audrey, responded positively to the casting. Speaking to Fox News Digital, he said, “I love Lily Collins. Sam Wasson, the book’s writer, is a good friend of mine and I’m very happy for him. I don’t have any huge thoughts on the film as it hasn’t been made yet.”

Ferrer also reflected on the film’s subtitle. He said, “I believe that my mother might cringe at ‘Dawn of the Modern Woman,’ but she cringed at any compliment.” He added that more than one project about his mother is currently being developed. “And now there are two films in prep about her — this one and Dinner with Audrey.”He also noted the challenge of adapting the material, saying, “I’m not sure how one adapts such a ‘historical snapshot.’”

Fans react to Lily Collins playing Audrey Hepburn

The casting quickly sparked conversation on social media. Some fans praised the choice. One user called Collins “the most perfect person to play Audrey Hepburn.” Others were more critical. One commenter wrote, “Don’t bother, love. You look nothing like Audrey. She was one of a kind and will never be replaced by you or anyone,” while another asked, “Are you kidding me? You are nothing like her.”Film experts say portraying a figure as iconic as Hepburn presents major challenges.

Charlie Keil, a professor at the Cinema Studies Institute at the University of Toronto, said taking on such a role “can be a field full of landmines.”“When a contemporary star takes on the role of an iconic figure from the past, they may be judged by many different standards,” Keil said.Casting director Paul Schnee also emphasised performance over resemblance. He said Collins is a “wonderful actor” and added that “her vague resemblance to Audrey will be an assist, but talent trumps that.”Collins herself shared her excitement about the role. In an Instagram post announcing the project, she wrote, “It’s with almost 10 years of development and a lifetime of admiration and adoration for Audrey that I’m finally able to share this. Honoured and ecstatic don’t begin to express how I feel.”