# Andy Tennant Directs Jessica Alba in True Story The Fun Lady A filmmaker explores female sexual identity through the true story of a sex-toy entrepreneur. - **Source:** [The Hollywood Reporter](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/dd087908-eca9-4d6e-8c27-e4402201c513 ## New Project Announcement Director Andy Tennant is set to helm The Fun Lady, a film based on the true story of Linda Brewer. Brewer, a Bible Belt resident, rose to prominence as a top salesperson for Passion Parties. The project is currently being produced by Highland Film Group and is heading to the American Film Market. ## The Real-Life Inspiration Linda Brewer was the subject of a 2004 New York Times Magazine article detailing her transition from a high school dropout to a successful entrepreneur. She sold products including vibrators and erotic games, effectively challenging social taboos in Arkansas. Although Brewer has since passed away, she collaborated extensively with screenwriter Mark Steilen. ## Jessica Alba Takes Lead Superstar Jessica Alba will portray the lead character, Mora, and produce the film under her Metalmark Entertainment banner. Tennant praises Alba’s entrepreneurial background, noting her serious approach to the material. He believes her intelligence and business acumen are essential for capturing the character's journey toward self-discovery and sexual empowerment. ## Thematic Narrative Focus The film follows Mora, a woman who returns to her small Arkansas hometown after her life collapses. Desperate for income, she begins selling sex toys despite her own lack of sexual experience. The narrative focuses on her efforts to ignite a sexual revolution among women who have long suppressed their own needs. ## Director’s Artistic Vision Andy Tennant, known for Sweet Home Alabama and Hitch, views this project as a study of human relationships. He emphasizes that the film is not a traditional comedy but a character-driven story. Tennant aims to explore the suppression of female sexual identity through a lens of intimacy, honesty, and genuine human connection. ## Orchestrating the Production Tennant describes his directorial style as creating a safe environment for actors to experiment. He likens the process to leading an orchestra, where diverse talents must harmonize to create a cohesive narrative. He values the pre-production phase for the deep conversations he holds with cast members about their characters' fears and motivations. ## Script and Development Tennant praised Mark Steilen’s script as exceptionally strong, noting he required very few edits or rewrites compared to his previous projects. The film aims to flesh out the experiences of various women involved in the parties, ensuring that the diverse relationships and personal struggles resonate with audiences across different generations and backgrounds. ## Legacy and Impact By drawing inspiration from classic comedies like Tootsie, Tennant hopes to balance humor with vital messaging. He wants audiences to leave the theater reflecting on their own relationships and the importance of communication. The film serves as a tribute to Brewer’s legacy, supported by her children who desire to see her story told. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/andy-tennant-jessica-alba-the-fun-lady-linda-brewer-film-1236743435/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._