Cass Elliot Biopic 'My Mama Cass' to Star 'Baby Reindeer' Breakout Jessica Gunning

The film will center on the life, legacy and music of the influential 1960s folk singer.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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IMDb reports that 'Baby Reindeer' breakout Jessica Gunning will portray Cass Elliot, the singer of the 1960s folk group the Mamas & The Papas, in a new biographical drama titled 'My Mama Cass.' The film is adapted from Elliot's only child Owen Elliot-Kugell's memoir and will focus on Elliot's life, legacy, and music, rather than being a full Mamas & the Papas biopic. Emma Forrest is writing the screenplay, but a director has not yet been attached.

Why it matters

Cass Elliot was a vital figure in the 1960s Los Angeles music scene, with her Laurel Canyon home serving as a hub for many young and influential artists of the era. This biopic offers an opportunity to explore her life and legacy as a powerful singer and connector within the vibrant counterculture of that time period.

The details

The film 'My Mama Cass' will center on the life and music of Cass Elliot, the lead singer of the 1960s folk group the Mamas & The Papas. It is adapted from a memoir by Elliot's only child, Owen Elliot-Kugell. Actress Jessica Gunning, known for her breakout role in 'Baby Reindeer,' has been cast to portray Elliot in the biographical drama. Emma Forrest is writing the screenplay, though a director has not yet been attached to the project.

  • The film 'My Mama Cass' is currently in development.

The players

Cass Elliot

The lead singer of the 1960s folk group the Mamas & The Papas, known for her powerful vocals and central role in the Los Angeles music scene of that era.

Jessica Gunning

The actress who will portray Cass Elliot in the upcoming biopic 'My Mama Cass,' known for her breakout role in the series 'Baby Reindeer.'

Owen Elliot-Kugell

Cass Elliot's only child, whose memoir serves as the basis for the 'My Mama Cass' biopic.

Emma Forrest

The screenwriter who is adapting the 'My Mama Cass' biopic from Owen Elliot-Kugell's memoir.

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The takeaway

This biopic on the life and legacy of Cass Elliot offers an opportunity to explore the influential role she played within the vibrant counterculture and music scene of 1960s Los Angeles, cementing her place as a powerful and iconic figure of that era.