Stranger Things star Sadie Sink is taking on a powerful new role as both lead actress and executive producer in the upcoming film adaptation of John Proctor Is the Villain. The project, based on Kimberly Belflower’s acclaimed play, is being developed by Universal Pictures with Marc Platt and Tina Fey attached as producers.
A Modern Take on Power and Consent
Set in a rural Georgia high school, John Proctor Is the Villain reimagines themes from Arthur Miller’s The Crucible through a contemporary lens, tackling subjects of power, consent, and accountability in the #MeToo era. The play earned critical praise for its sharp writing and emotional honesty, and the film is expected to continue that tradition on screen.
Sink originally portrayed Shelby in the stage production, a role that earned her widespread acclaim for its depth and vulnerability. For the film version, Belflower herself is adapting the screenplay, ensuring the story’s transition from stage to screen remains true to its feminist and socially conscious roots.
Universal’s Creative Team and Production Details
Producers Marc Platt (La La Land, Wicked) and Tina Fey (Mean Girls, 30 Rock) are leading the production, with Universal Pictures distributing. The studio has yet to announce filming schedules or a release date, but early reports suggest production could begin in 2026.
The film marks another high-profile collaboration between Universal and Platt Productions, both known for adapting theatrical stories for global audiences.
Sink’s Expanding Career and Stage Success
At just 23, Sadie Sink continues to demonstrate remarkable range across film, television, and theater. Best known for her breakout role as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things, she has since built an impressive résumé with performances in The Whale, Dear Zoe, and Taylor Swift’s All Too Well: The Short Film.
Beyond the big screen, Sink is also set to make her West End debut in Robert Icke’s production of Romeo and Juliet at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London next March.
Meanwhile, John Proctor Is the Villain will have its UK premiere at the Royal Court Theatre from March 20 to April 25, 2026, directed by Tony Award-winner Danya Taymor. Sink will not appear in that stage run due to her filming commitments.
A Story for a New Generation
By pairing the timeless conflicts of The Crucible with a modern exploration of gender, power, and truth, John Proctor Is the Villain has resonated with audiences since its 2022 Off-Broadway debut. With Sadie Sink at the helm, the film version is expected to amplify that impact for a global audience.
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