IMO, D is correct.
KEY is:
Hoping to capitalize on the anticipated success of the film
It means: The publisher's plan will be successful ONLY IF the film will be successful. If the film is supposed to be failed ==> the publisher's plan would be failed too.
Let assume you were a publisher, then ask yourself whether the film would be successful by considering each answer.
CONSIDER EACH ANSWER:
A. The publisher has received permission from the film studio to stamp the words “Now a major motion picture” on the cover of each book.
Wrong. Why the film studio accepted? Because the film studio is sure that the film will be success. If the film is supposed to be failed, the stamp will have double negative effect.
B. Last year a new edition of a novel that had been out of print hit the bestseller lists two weeks after a movie biography of its author was released.
Wrong. Because it definitely supports the success of the novel.
C. The publisher received two hundred thousand dollars after selling the production rights to the film studio.
Wrong. Let
ask yourself why the film studio accepted to pay $200,000? This is the big cost for the film studio. The studio accepted this cost,
because it is sure that the film can make a lot of money to cover the cost of production rights. If the film is supposed to be failed, why the studio accepted the cost of $200k? In fact,
this is a very strong signal to show the supposed success of the film.
D. The actress playing the lead in the film has discussed her love for the novel in nationally televised interviews.
Correct. The actress just provided her love, it does not guarantee the success of the film. It's not the strong evidence of the success of the film. I would say this is INDIRECT evidence ==> we cannot say the film will be successful if we depend solely on the actress' comment.
E. Last year a new edition of an unpopular novel was adapted into a top-grossing film, and sales of the book spiked
Wrong.It shows the similar case that proves the supposed success of the film.
Hope it helps.