Josh Hartnett, Emma Thompson, Sally Hawkins Join Elle Fanning in Rebecca Miller’s ‘Moonsong: A Life In Seven Verses’

Rebecca Miller’s biopic Moonsong: A Life In Seven Verses, starring Elle Fanning as children’s author Margaret Wise Brown, has added Josh Hartnett, Emma Thompson, Sally Hawkins, Danny Huston, Robert Aramayo, and Chloe Pirrie to its cast. Julianne Moore was previously announced. The Veterans will launch international sales at the American Film Market (AFM). The film explores Brown’s life behind beloved books like Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, which have sold over 50 million copies worldwide. Brown was a complex figure—a trailblazing writer who challenged conventions and had a relationship with a woman, Blanche Oelrichs, at a time when it was taboo. The story spans her creative genius, personal struggles, and untimely death at 42. The ensemble cast brings gravitas to a film that aims to shed light on a literary icon whose private life is less known than her work. With Miller’s track record of character-driven dramas, Moonsong is positioned as a prestige title for the AFM, attracting international distributors seeking awards-caliber content. Why it matters: Margaret Wise Brown’s books remain a staple of childhood, yet her own story is rarely told. This biopic could introduce her legacy to a new generation while sparking conversations about creativity, identity, and the price of nonconformity.