Lili Reinhart criticizes Hollywood for hesitating on lesbian vampire project

Actress and producer Lili Reinhart has stated that Hollywood studios are “too afraid” to greenlight her proposed film adaptation of a novella featuring lesbian vampires. During an interview with Hits Radio, Reinhart expressed frustration over the difficulty of finding a studio willing to back the project, issuing a direct challenge to industry decision-makers to embrace such stories.

While Reinhart has not officially confirmed the title of the work she intends to adapt, online speculation suggests it may be the 1872 gothic novella “Carmilla” by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu. The story is a foundational piece of vampire literature that predates Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” and is noted for its depiction of desire between women.

Reinhart’s comments highlight ongoing debates regarding the willingness of financiers and studios to invest in explicitly LGBTQ+ narratives, particularly within the horror and romance genres. This follows similar sentiments expressed by other industry figures regarding the challenges of securing funding for diverse casting and queer themes.