Sally Field read the novel in galleys, before it was published, before anyone knew it would become a bestseller. She committed to the role on the spot. That early bet is why the film exists.
Olivia Newman came on after Field was already attached. She pitched her vision directly at Field's home to get the job.
The octopus, Marcellus, is entirely CGI. You cannot train an octopus to hit its marks. The VFX team spent six months studying a real Giant Pacific Octopus named Agnetha at the Vancouver Aquarium. Alfred Molina voiced him.
For scenes where Tova holds Marcellus, Field held a weighted puppet built to match his exact scale and texture.
This is Field's first leading film role in about a decade. It streams on Netflix.
People on Backlot are watching it right now.
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