Three-time Oscar winner Meryl Streep is in final negotiations to play political activist Emmeline Pankhurst opposite Carey Mulligan in the women’s rights drama “Suffragette,” an individual familiar with the project has told TheWrap.
Sarah Gavron is directing Ruby Films’ drama, which starts production overseas next week. Streep’s deal is expected to close shortly.
Abi Morgan (“Shame”) wrote the script, having previously worked with Streep on “The Iron Lady.”
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Mulligan stars as a woman instrumental to the early feminist movement. While Streep’s role will be small, it will be vital, as Parkhurst gives a powerful speech about women’s rights during a political rally.
In 1999, Time magazine named Pankhurst as one of the 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century. She founded the Women’s Social and Political Union and her protests earned her time in prison, where she and other members staged hunger strikes to secure better conditions.
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Alison Owen and Faye Ward are producing for Ruby Films, while Pathe’s Cameron McCracken and Film4’s Tessa Ross and Katherine Butler will executive produce. BFI Film Fund is also involved with the project, which was previously set up at Focus Features prior to James Schamus‘ departure.
Streep is up for yet another Oscar for her foul-mouthed performance as the family matriarch in “August: Osage County.” She next stars in “The Giver” and Disney’s “Into the Woods.” Streep is represented by CAA and attorney Michael Gendler.
The news was first reported by Screen.