Emma Nelson will make her motion picture debut in Richard Linklater’s adaptation of Maria Semples’ Where’d You Go Bernadette. Set to be released by Annapurna Pictures on March 22, 2019.
Based on the novel by Maria Semple of the same name, the film follows Bernadette Fox (played by Cate Blanchett), an architect-turned-recluse who goes missing just prior to a family vacation. In addition to Blanchett, Nelson plays alongside Billy Crudup, Kristen Wiig, Laurence Fishburne, Troian Bellisario and Judy Greer. Annapurna Pictures will release the film on March 22, 2019.
Emma Nelson is a multi-talented performer who prior to her casting, honed her skills in local projects. A native of the Chicago area, Emma was selected for a lead role in the pre-Broadway production of Trevor! The Musical, which was produced and directed by the renowned Marc Bruni (Beautiful-The Carol King Musical).
The filmmakers auditioned over 500 young women for the role and began their search in Austin, Texas with Casting Director, Vicky Boone. Nelson auditioned twice before being asked to read with Blanchett and Crudup and immediately won everyone over.
“There are so many talented actors in her age range, and we saw hundreds of them for the role of Bee, but several things ultimately swayed me toward Emma. In addition to her intelligence and utter natural quality, I was most impressed with her composure, confidence, and unflappability. Even though this was her first movie role, she was unintimidated,” said Linklater.
Emma has yet to announce her role in the film to anyone outside of her family and those who worked on the production. Her friends and classmates have up until this point believed she was on a leave of absence from school while the film was in production.
