In a significant announcement at the Cannes Film Festival, it was revealed that Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman will star in the upcoming biopic Photograph 51, directed by Tom Hooper, known for his critically acclaimed film The King’s Speech. The film, inspired by the life of pioneering British scientist Rosalind Franklin, aims to shed light on her groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of DNA, which have often been overshadowed by her male counterparts.
Hooper, who has recently returned to directing after the commercial flop of Cats, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, "I’m drawn to unexpected stories about people who are invisible when they should be visible. Shining a light on the extraordinary Rosalind Franklin, who made the invisible visible with DNA, and then was rendered invisible by her male colleagues and competitors, is a compelling story of science, rivalry, betrayal and redemption I am passionate to tell." The film will explore Franklin's quest to unlock the secrets of DNA through her pioneering work in x-ray crystallography, which ultimately revealed the double-helix structure of the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for all known life.
Despite her monumental achievements, Franklin's contributions were largely unrecognized during her lifetime. The film will address the critical question of how James Watson and Francis Crick received the Nobel Prize for their work on DNA without acknowledging Franklin's essential role. This narrative positions Franklin as a “wronged heroine” and a “feminist icon,” whose legacy has been rediscovered in recent decades.
Anna Ziegler, who adapted her play of the same title for the screenplay, has crafted a story that highlights the systemic barriers Franklin faced in a male-dominated scientific community. Franklin, who died at the young age of 37, is now recognized as a pivotal figure in molecular biology, yet her story remains one of struggle against the backdrop of scientific rivalry.
The film is being produced by Ben Cosgrove of Leviathan Productions and Mandy Greenfield of Red Yes Studio, alongside Hooper and FilmNation Entertainment. Glen Basner, CEO of FilmNation, expressed his excitement about reuniting with Hooper, stating, "Pairing Tom’s vision with Natalie Portman’s remarkable talent will make this a theatrical event for audiences across the world, offering both entertainment and profound meaning." FilmNation will handle international sales at the Cannes market and co-represent domestic rights with CAA Media Finance.
Portman, who has recently starred in the Apple TV+ series Lady In The Lake, is set to appear next in Guy Ritchie's Fountain of Youth and Cathy Yan’s The Gallerist. Her involvement in Photograph 51 adds a significant project to her upcoming slate, which has been relatively sparse in recent years. As the film gears up for production, it is expected to have a strong awards season campaign in late 2026.
Hooper’s return to the director’s chair marks a pivotal moment in his career, following a hiatus from feature films after the backlash against Cats. The director, once celebrated for his ability to bring emotionally rich and historically significant stories to life, has shifted his focus in recent years to directing commercials for brands such as Vodafone and McDonald’s. However, his passion for filmmaking has reignited with the development of new projects, including Photograph 51.
With its compelling subject matter and the talent involved, Photograph 51 promises to be a significant addition to the cinematic landscape, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of women in science. As the film prepares to debut at the Cannes market, anticipation is building for what could be a landmark portrayal of Rosalind Franklin’s life and legacy.
As the film industry continues to evolve, Photograph 51 stands as a testament to the importance of telling stories that have historically been marginalized. The narrative of Rosalind Franklin not only serves as an inspiring tale of perseverance and intellect but also raises critical questions about recognition and equity in the scientific community.
