Meryl Streep is in talks to play former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in "The Iron Lady," a biopic from Streep's "Mamma Mia!" director Phyllida Lloyd, the two-time Academy Award winner's publicist has confirmed to TheWrap.
Oscar winner Jim Broadbent ("Iris") is in talks to play her husband, Denis.
Abi Morgan's script tells the story of a woman who smashed through the barriers of gender and class to be heard in a male-dominated world, and also explores the price that is paid for power.
I can't really imagine anyone else but Streep playing Thatcher, a strong woman who the iconic actress is perfectly suited to play.
Streep has earned a trio of Oscar nominations for playing real-life women such as whistleblower Karen Silkwood ("Silkwood"), author Susan Orlean ("Adaptation") and cooking icon Julia Child ("Julie & Julia), so expect her to compete for awards again by playing such a high-profile and controversial character.
Pathe and Film4 are co-financing and co-producing the project. Damien Jones ("Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll") will also produce "The Iron Lady" after originally developing another Thatcher biopic titled "Thatcher" with BBC Films.
"The Iron Lady" is expected to begin production before the end of the year.
Streep, Broadbent and Lloyd are represented by CAA.
