In a significant announcement for Polish cinema, Kamila Urzędowska, a 31-year-old actress, has been cast as Izabela Łęcka in the upcoming adaptation of Bolesław Prus's classic novel "Lalka". This casting decision was revealed on April 15, 2025, generating excitement among fans and industry insiders alike.
The film and accompanying series will be directed by Maciej Kawalski, known for his work on various Polish productions. Marcin Dorociński will portray the male lead, Stanisław Wokulski, a character that has been immortalized in previous adaptations by celebrated actors.
Urzędowska, who was born on January 7, 1994, in Nysa and raised in the small town of Karłowice Wielkie, has built a reputation for her compelling performances. She graduated from the Faculty of Acting at the Academy of Theater Arts in Krakow, branch in Wrocław, in 2020. Her professional debut came in 2019 with the film "Jak zostałem gangsterem. Historia prawdziwa" and she gained widespread recognition for her role as Jagna Paczesiówna in the 2023 film "Chłopi". This performance earned her the prestigious Kryształowa Gwiazda ELLE at the Polish Film Festival in Gdynia and nominations for the Polish Film Award Orły in two categories: "Best Leading Actress" and "Discovery of the Year".
Urzędowska's portrayal of Jagna in "Chłopi" was critically acclaimed, showcasing her ability to embody complex characters with emotional depth. Her success in this role opened doors for her in the international film scene, leading to her recognition as a European Shooting Star at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2024.
In her new role as Izabela Łęcka, Urzędowska aims to bring a contemporary sensibility to the character, which has been previously portrayed by iconic actresses such as Beata Tyszkiewicz and Małgorzata Braunek. "I see this role not only as a professional challenge but as a fascinating journey into the depths of human emotions, dreams, and dilemmas beautifully portrayed by Bolesław Prus in 'Lalka'" she shared. Urzędowska expressed her desire to honor the classic while infusing Izabela with modern relevance, stating, "This role is an opportunity to pay homage to the classic while breathing contemporary sensitivity into Izabela, allowing us all to look at her story anew."
The creative team behind the adaptation has high hopes for the project, with filming scheduled to commence in August 2025. The production is backed by Telewizja Polska and Gigant Films, ensuring a robust platform for the film's release. The cinematography will be led by Piotr Sobociński Jr., known for his work on films such as "Boże Ciało" and "Wesele".
Marcin Dorociński, who will play Wokulski, expressed his excitement about stepping into the shoes of a character that has a rich legacy in Polish literature. "I am honored to follow in the footsteps of great actors and face the legend created by Prus, showing it in a new light and my interpretation," he remarked. Dorociński is no stranger to acclaim, having been nominated for the Orły multiple times for his performances in films like "PitBull" and "Wszyscy jesteśmy Chrystusami".
As anticipation builds for the new adaptation of "Lalka", Urzędowska's casting has sparked discussions about the evolution of female roles in Polish cinema. Her approach to portraying Izabela is seen as a refreshing take that aligns with modern views on women’s narratives in film. She aims to depict Izabela not just as an object of desire but as a nuanced character with her own aspirations and struggles.
Urzędowska's journey to this point has not been without challenges. In a recent interview, she reflected on her upbringing in a financially struggling family and the bullying she faced as a child due to her circumstances. "I often felt excluded... because of our financial situation," she recalled. However, she emphasized that these experiences have instilled in her a profound sensitivity and resilience that she brings to her acting.
As she prepares for this pivotal role, Urzędowska remains grounded and connected to her roots. Despite her rising fame, she values her connection to nature and her rural identity, which she believes enhances her performances. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to draw from personal experiences promise to make her portrayal of Izabela Łęcka both authentic and impactful.
The new adaptation of "Lalka" is set to premiere in 2026, and it is expected to attract a wide audience eager to see how this classic story is reinterpreted for a new generation. With Kamila Urzędowska at the helm of the iconic role, there is a palpable sense of excitement about what this adaptation will bring to Polish cinema.
