English
British actress Hannah Dodd, widely recognized for playing Francesca Bridgerton in Netflix’s popular Regency-era drama Bridgerton, has secured her first lead role in a feature film. The upcoming romantic drama, titled Miss You Forever, Zara Drake, will see Dodd take center stage alongside writer-director Lucas Jones, who also makes his feature directorial debut with the project.
A Story of Love, Trauma and Disappearance
The film follows Zara Drake, a woman at the height of her fame and public recognition. However, one year after falling in love with Isaac Owens — the frontman of a fading band — she vanishes without a trace. The story unfolds across New York City and the tree-lined streets of England, drawing on the iconography of the 1990s fashion world.
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According to the official synopsis, the film explores “the dichotomy of a love fuelled by resounding generational trauma and empty success.” Two lost souls attempt to outrun their pasts in a narrative set against a timeless backdrop rooted in 90s cultural heritage. Jones, who is also a poet and actor known for the series Break Clause, wrote, directed and produced the film.
Production is scheduled to begin in the United Kingdom and the United States in spring 2027. Jones is producing alongside Eli Banfield for Maryland Films, with Richard Holmes serving as executive producer.
A Strong Creative Team Behind the Camera
The film brings together a notable group of collaborators. Cinematographer Brendan Harvey will handle the visual direction. Composers Sindri Már Sigfússon and Kjartan Holm will score the film, with original music contributed by Ava Lily. Casting director Des Hamilton leads the casting process, with Lauren Bayly handling additional casting duties.
The project marks a significant step forward for Dodd. She first gained attention through the Hulu series Find Me in Paris and later appeared in Harlots. In 2021, she played Sandra — the illusionary adult form of Sprite — in Chloé Zhao’s Marvel film Eternals. The following year brought several high-profile roles. She starred as the younger version of Sienna Miller’s character in the Netflix miniseries Anatomy of a Scandal. She also appeared in the Netflix film Enola Holmes 2 and the Lifetime miniseries Flowers in the Attic: The Origin.
Dodd Steps Into Bridgerton and Now the Big Screen
Also in 2022, producers announced that Dodd would replace Ruby Stokes as Francesca in the third season of the Shondaland-produced Bridgerton. The character is described as the quietest and most introverted member of the Bridgerton family. Her performance in the role brought her widespread recognition and a growing international fanbase.
Meanwhile, Jones brings a diverse creative background to the project. Beyond acting, he has appeared in the series Get Millie Black and the feature film We Work for the Dead. He is also an accomplished poet whose work examines themes of masculinity, love, grief and human connection. Earlier this year, he released his debut poetry collection, I Still Believe in Miracles: Poems to Find Meaning in Difficult Times. In addition, Jones previously fronted the band The Rose Affair. With Miss You Forever, Zara Drake, he steps into feature filmmaking for the first time, bringing both personal and artistic depth to the story.
