Sadie Sink Takes Charge as Star and Producer in Film Adaptation

Stranger Things star Sadie Sink is stepping into a dual role as both lead actress and executive producer for the film adaptation of John Proctor Is the Villain. This project, based on the acclaimed play by Kimberly Belflower, is being developed by Universal Pictures, with notable producers Marc Platt and Tina Fey involved.

A Modern Exploration of Power and Consent

Set in a rural high school in Georgia, John Proctor Is the Villain offers a contemporary twist on themes from Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. The narrative delves into issues of power, consent, and accountability, resonating strongly within the context of the #MeToo movement. The play received critical acclaim for its incisive writing and emotional depth, and expectations are high for its film adaptation to maintain this integrity.

Sink previously portrayed the character Shelby in the stage version, a performance that garnered her significant acclaim for its emotional range. For the film, Belflower is adapting the screenplay herself, ensuring that the narrative remains faithful to its feminist and socially conscious origins.

Production Insights and Career Milestones

Producers Marc Platt (known for La La Land and Wicked) and Tina Fey (famed for Mean Girls and 30 Rock) are leading the production efforts, with Universal Pictures handling distribution. While specific filming schedules and a release date have not been announced, preliminary reports indicate that production could commence in 2026. This collaboration marks another significant venture between Universal and Platt Productions, both recognized for their successful adaptations of theatrical works for global audiences.

At just 23 years old, Sadie Sink continues to excel in diverse roles across film, television, and theater. She is best known for her breakout role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things and has also earned praise for performances in The Whale, Dear Zoe, and Taylor Swift’s All Too Well: The Short Film. Additionally, she is set to make her West End debut in Romeo and Juliet, directed by Robert Icke, at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London next March.

The stage production of John Proctor Is the Villain will have its UK premiere at the Royal Court Theatre from March 20 to April 25, 2026, under the direction of Tony Award-winner Danya Taymor. Sink will not participate in the stage run due to her filming commitments.

By merging the timeless themes of The Crucible with a modern examination of gender dynamics and truth, John Proctor Is the Villain has captured the attention of audiences since its debut in 2022. With Sink leading the film adaptation, it is poised to resonate even more widely across global audiences.

As this ambitious project unfolds, many are excited to see how Sadie Sink will bring this compelling story to life on the big screen.