'The Girls I've Been': Millie Bobby Brown and Jason Bateman's Netflix Team-Up Seemingly Comes to A Pause

via Getty
Credits: getty
There were exciting murmurs in the industry when reports surfaced that Millie Bobby Brown would not only headline but also co-produce a Netflix adaptation with Jason Bateman’s Aggregate Films. The project in question, The Girls I've Been, promised a thrilling dive into the world of Nora, a teenage con artist forced to confront her past when a bank heist traps her with her ex and current boyfriend. The buzz was electric, but unfortunately, excitement alone is rarely enough to bring a story to life on screen.
Despite early fanfare and mounting anticipation, recent whispers suggest the ambitious collaboration may be quietly losing momentum behind the scenes.
Why Millie Bobby Brown and Jason Bateman's Netflix plans may never make it to screen
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In a recent update shared via Instagram Stories, author Tess Sharpe confirmed that The Girls I've Been is no longer in development. Responding to fan queries about the rumored cancellation, Sharpe explained that she regained the rights after the production opportunity expired. She attributed the project's collapse to the 2023 strike, which severely disrupted schedules. Despite a completed script co-written by Sharpe herself, conflicting timelines prevented further progress. She expressed appreciation for the team involved and hinted at future possibilities.
The announcement came as a disappointment to fans who were eager to see Millie Bobby Brown portray the fearless Nora O’Malley in the Netflix adaptation, which was originally set to be produced alongside Jason Bateman’s Aggregate Films. While the project has stalled, Brown’s packed schedule might still have some surprises ahead.
Whether Millie Bobby Brown will be joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe or reprising her role as Enola Holmes anytime soon, one thing remains certain- she would have been a pitch-perfect Nora O’Malley.
Why Millie Bobby Brown would have been the perfect Nora O'Malley?
Millie Bobby Brown’s portrayal of Enola Holmes displayed the exact mix of intelligence, defiance, and emotional depth needed for Nora O’Malley. She balanced the youthful charm with quick-witted strategy, making her a natural fit for a character trained to manipulate and survive. That same magnetic presence could have easily carried a high-stakes thriller, especially under Jason Bateman’s sharp creative direction.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad

via Imago
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK – MAY 14: Millie Bobby Brown attends Netflix’s “Stranger Things” Season 4 Premiere at Netflix Brooklyn on May 14, 2022 in Brooklyn, New York. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/WireImage)
Her role as Eleven in Stranger Things revealed Millie Bobby Brown’s gift for portraying deeply scarred yet strong-willed characters. That same emotional complexity would have served Nora O’Malley’s layered identity, a girl molded by crime yet yearning for escape. Brown had the presence, the range, and the grit. With the project shelved, what remains is the idea of what could have been a perfect pairing that never made it past potential.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Was shelving The Girls I've Been a missed opportunity for Netflix? Let us know what you think down in the comments!
ADVERTISEMENT
Edited By: Itti Mahajan
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT