Lily James lands next lead movie role

Lily James has found her next lead movie role in an as-yet untitled film inspired by the story of Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd.

As reported by Deadline, 20th Century Studios and Ethea Entertainment production company are in the pre-production stages for the film, which will tell the story of the founder and former CEO of the online dating app.

The movie will reportedly start filming this year.

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Herd, who set up Bumble in 2014, and became the world's youngest female billionaire when the app went public, was also the co-founder of Tinder. She stepped down as Bumble CEO in 2023.

The Lily James-led film, however, is only 'inspired' by Wolfe Herd's story, and is not based on her life. It is expected to be released in 2025.

It is also noted that James will produce the film alongside Jennifer Gibgot and Andrew Panay. Rachel Lee Goldenberg will direct the film, from a script written by herself, Bill Parker and Kim Caramele.

The film will be an addition to James's already stellar acting repertoire.

Alongside hits like Cinderella and Baby Driver, she has most recently starred oppsoite Ricky Stanicky's Zac Efron and The Bear's Jeremy Allen White in The Iron Claw.

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The film, which follows the real-life story of the Von Erich wrestling family and their lives inside and outside the ring, landed a strong Rotten Tomatoes rating and has been recognised as some of Efron's best work.

The Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again star's other upcoming projects include indie flick Greedy People, and she has also recently returned to the West End to star in Lyonesse.