This Bird Has Flown: Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles Is Adapting Her Debut Novel for a Film at…..read more……
Susanna Hoffs, best known as a founding member of the iconic pop-rock band The Bangles, is trading her guitar for a script. The celebrated musician and singer-songwriter is making waves in the literary and film world with the news that her debut novel, This Bird Has Flown, is being adapted into a feature film at Universal Pictures.
The novel, which was published in April 2023 to critical acclaim, marked Hoffs’ first major foray into fiction writing. Now, just two years later, Universal has greenlit the project with Hoffs herself penning the screenplay, bringing her witty, emotionally resonant story to the big screen. The adaptation marks a full-circle moment for Hoffs, who has long had a passion for storytelling that extends beyond music.
This Bird Has Flown follows the story of Jane Start, a once-successful pop star whose career has hit rock bottom. At 33, she finds herself broke, single, and creatively stalled. When a last-minute gig in London unexpectedly leads her to a charming academic named Tom, Jane begins a whirlwind romantic and personal journey of rediscovery. The novel blends humor, heartache, and hope in a way that resonated deeply with readers, drawing praise for its clever narrative voice and emotional authenticity.
“I’ve always loved storytelling, whether through lyrics or now, through prose,” Hoffs said in a recent statement. “Writing This Bird Has Flown was a deeply personal experience for me, and adapting it into a screenplay feels like a natural extension of that creative process. I’m thrilled to be working with Universal to bring Jane’s story to life on screen.”
Hoffs is no stranger to the world of film. Beyond her music career with The Bangles, she has previously contributed to movie soundtracks and even appeared on screen in small roles. However, this marks her most substantial involvement in a film production to date. Taking on the role of screenwriter allows her to ensure that the essence of her novel—and the voice of its protagonist—remain intact.
The project is being produced by Liza Chasin through her 3dot Productions banner, alongside Bruna Papandrea of Made Up Stories. Both producers have a strong track record of adapting popular novels into successful films, including recent hits like Big Little Lies and Luckiest Girl Alive. With Hoffs’ voice guiding the screenplay and a strong production team behind her, the adaptation is already generating buzz in both Hollywood and literary circles.
“We fell in love with Susanna’s book immediately,” said Chasin in a press release. “It’s fresh, funny, romantic, and filled with heart. We knew from the start that she had a unique voice, and the idea of her adapting her own work made the project all the more exciting.”
The title of the novel—and now the film—pays homage to the Beatles’ song “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown),” a nod to both Hoffs’ musical roots and the influence of British rock on her career. That musical sensibility is expected to infuse the film as well, with a soundtrack that could play a central role in setting the tone and enhancing the emotional arcs of the characters.
Fans of The Bangles, whose hits like “Walk Like an Egyptian” and “Eternal Flame” dominated the charts in the 1980s, have welcomed Hoffs’ literary career with enthusiasm. Many have praised her for seamlessly transitioning from rock star to novelist, and now to screenwriter.
“I think people are hungry for stories about women finding their voice again, especially later in life,” said one fan on social media. “Susanna Hoffs gives us that, and she does it with humor and honesty.”
While no casting announcements have been made yet, speculation is already swirling about who might take on the lead role of Jane Start. Industry insiders suggest that the part will attract top-tier talent, given the strength of the source material and the star power of Hoffs behind the scenes.
Universal has not yet announced a release date for the film, but development is said to be moving quickly. With the script underway and pre-production ramping up, fans may not have to wait long to see Jane Start’s journey unfold on screen.
As Hoffs prepares to make her mark in Hollywood, she continues to reflect on the new chapter in her creative journey. “Whether it’s music, writing, or film, I just want to connect with people,” she said. “And if Jane’s story can inspire someone to take a second chance on themselves, then I’ve done my job.”
For Hoffs, this bird hasn’t flown—it’s just beginning to soar.
