Anna Kendrick: Star, producer, director of real-life crime thriller

Anna Kendrick is on a roll.

Known for her roles in the 1998 Broadway musical High Society, the 2003 musical comedy movie Camp, and the 2008-2012 Twilight Saga, Kendrick will not only star in the true-to-life crime thriller The Dating Game, but will also direct and produce it.

The Dating Game is based on the story of drama teacher Cheryl Bradshaw who, in 1978, appeared on an American TV game show.

Asked to choose her romantic interest among three bachelors, Bradshaw went for Rodney Alcala — who turned out to be a convicted child predator, rapist, and serial killer.

According to collider.com, Bradshaw turned down Alcala's invite to a date because she found him "creepy."

Alcala was sentenced to death in 1980 for multiple murder. The decision was overturned twice. He was finally convicted in 2010.

He died of natural causes on 24 July 2021 "I've loved this script from the moment I read it. And while I was obviously thrilled to be playing the character of Cheryl, I felt so connected to the story, the tone and the themes around gender and intimacy, that when the opportunity came up to direct… I jumped at it. It feels meant to be," Kendrick was quoted in a statement.

The Dating Game is currently in pre-production, its principal photography set for late October.

Casting is still ongoing.