Angelina Jolie to star in movie adaptation of Anxious People

The film will be helmed by acclaimed director Marc Forster, known for his work on Stranger Than Fiction and World War Z.

Hollywood star Angelina Jolie is gearing up to headline the feature film adaptation of the bestselling Scandinavian novel Anxious People.

The film will be helmed by acclaimed director Marc Forster, known for his work on Stranger Than Fiction and World War Z. The project is based on the popular novel by Fredrik Backman, as reported by entertainment outlet Deadline.

The story revolves around Angelina Jolie's character Zara, an investment banker, who grudgingly goes to an open house the day before Christmas Eve.

When a reluctant bank robber shows up and takes the attendees hostage, what starts off as a routine get-together devolves into a chaotic situation. In this surprising story of improbable relationships, personal secrets are revealed, emotions are running high, and nothing goes as planned.

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According to Deadline, producer Renee Wolfe  said,  "It is set a week before Christmas and highlights a time when generosity and giving are values that are more in focus. Sometimes funny, sometimes dramatic and always entertaining, Anxious People is a book that has sold over 6 million copies world-wide and, with Angelina Jolie playing the lead and Marc Forster directing, will surely prove to be a movie that will captivate millions more."

Previously, the book was adapted into a series by Netflix. The story has been adapted for the screen by Oscar-nominated screenwriter David Magee, known for movies including A Man Called Otto, Life of Pi, and Finding Neverland. It released in 2021.