Cynthia Erivo Takes on the Lead Role in ‘Prima Facie’ Film
The Wicked star takes over from Jodie Comer in this feature adaptation of Suzie Miller's award-winning play.
A feature film version of Suzie Miller’s award-winning play Prima Facie is heading to theaters just in time for awards season. Killing Eve star Jodie Comer made her West End debut, then her Broadway debut, in the lead role of Tessa Ensler, a talented defense barrister known for successfully representing men accused of sexual assault, when the show first opened at the Harold Pinter Theatre in 2022. She went on to win both a Tony and an Olivier Award for Best Actress for her performance as Tessa in the stage production of Prima Facie
However, the project will look a bit different this time around. Comer chose not to reprise the role for the feature film version. The actress has not weighed in on the reasoning behind the decision, which could range from scheduling conflicts to simply not wanting to portray such a grueling role for the third time in as many years.
Instead, Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo (Luther: The Fallen Sun) is now playing the role of Tessa, forced to reconsider everything she once believed to be true about the British legal system when she is raped by a boyfriend she trusted. As Tessa wrestles with everything, including her very sense of self, the film asks pointed questions about the failures inherent in a justice system that requires women to do so much work to prove their own experiences before they can be believed. Further, the film version has also shifted into more of an ensemble piece. The stage production is famously a one-woman show, in which a single actress on a minimalist set portrays all the characters. But the film has a more conventional courtroom drama feel and a cast full of supporting characters.
Here’s the film’s synopsis.
A young, ambitious trial lawyer brilliantly navigates the ruthless London court system where she is unmatched in her defense of the accused, including men charged with sexual assault. Just as her career is taking off, a life-altering event forces her to reckon with her belief in the judicial system that was once the core of her identity.
The film’s ensemble adds multiple famous faces known on both sides of the pond, including Daniel Ings (The Gentlemen), Toheeb Jimoh (Ted Lasso), Elizabeth Dulau (Andor), Harry Treadaway (The Crown), Elliot Leavy (Bookish), Noma Dumezweni (Best Interests), and Simon Russell Beale (House of the Dragon).
Adapted by Miller from her stage play, the film is directed by Susanna White (The Buccaneers). Greer Simpkins and David Jowsey are producers for Bunya Productions, with Kevin Loader for Embankment Films. Miller, White, and Erivo are executive producers, along with Solome Williams.
Prima Facie premiered at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival. The film will arrive in U.K. cinemas on Friday, November 13, 2026. It does not yet have an American distributor, but it is expected to land one before the end of the year.
The original Prima Facie stage play pro-shot starring Jodie Comer is available to stream on National Theatre at Home.
