Cynthia Erivo Stars in ‘Prima Facie’: Cannes Market Debut, Embankment Sparks Sales Frenzy!

The film version of the highly successful solo performance “Prima Facie,” which previously starred Cynthia Erivo, is set to debut at the Cannes Film Market. This role previously garnered both Tony and Olivier awards for Jodie Comer.

Embankment has taken on the international sales for this adaptation, initially revealed by The Bangin Beats in 2023. The project will be jointly represented in the U.S. by UTA Independent Film Group and CAA Media Finance.

The film will be directed by Susanna White, a BAFTA winner and Emmy nominee known for her work on “Woman Walks Ahead” and “Star Wars: Andor.” Suzie Miller, the original Australian playwright, has adapted her own critically acclaimed play for the cinematic version.

“Prima Facie,” which means “at first sight,” dives into the gripping narrative of Tessa, a driven and sharp defense attorney rising through the ranks in London’s competitive legal world. Coming from a working-class background, Tessa adeptly defends her clients, including those accused of sexual assault. Her world turns upside down when she becomes a rape victim herself, perpetrated by a colleague, challenging her faith in the legal system’s handling of consent issues.

The film brings together producers Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey of Bunya Productions (“Sweet Country,” “High Ground”), along with Kevin Loader of Embankment, who is currently overseeing post-production for Nick Hytner’s “The Choral.” Erivo will serve as an executive producer under her company Edith’s Daughter, in collaboration with Solome Williams. Both the director, White, and writer, Miller, will also serve as executive producers.

Since its debut in Sydney in 2019, “Prima Facie” enjoyed a highly acclaimed stint on London’s West End in 2022, where it received five Olivier Award nominations and won for best new play and best actress for Comer. It continued its success on Broadway the following year, earning Comer a Tony Award for best actress. Plans are underway for Comer to return to the role in a new U.K. and Ireland tour scheduled for 2026.

“The film adaptation of Suzie’s incredible play captivated audiences in 32 countries,” Hugo Grumbar of Embankment commented. “It promises to deliver powerful performances, blending intense, cerebral conflict with the softness of human protective instincts, marked by courage, boldness, and a mix of wit and sensitivity.”

Following her role in the highly successful Universal musical adaptation “Wicked,” Erivo has continued to receive critical acclaim, leading to her second Oscar nomination for Best Actress (following “Harriet” in 2019), and receiving nods from BAFTA, the Golden Globes, and the SAG Awards.

Erivo’s representation includes UTA, Entertainment 360, Peikoff Mahan, and The Lede Company; White by CAA and Casarotto Ramsay & Associates; and Miller by CAA, HLA Management, The Agency, and Jackoway Austen.