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Meryl Streep Playing Margaret Thatcher in a BBC Films Biopic

by Alex Billington
July 1, 2010

More eventual Oscar bait? THR is reporting that Meryl Streep is "in talks" to star as former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher in a new biopic called Thatcher, being developed by Pathe and BBC Films. Streep will be re-teaming with filmmaker Phyllida Lloyd, who directed Mamma Mia!, for this project, with the screenplay being written by Brian Fillis (An Englishman in New York). Jim Broadbent is also in talks to play Thatcher's husband, Denis. The film is set in 1982 and tracks Thatcher as she tries to save her career in the 17 days preceding the 1982 Falklands War. However, none of this casting is officially set in stone yet.

Margaret Thatcher served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990 and also Leader of the Conservative Party from 1975 to 1990. She is the only woman to have held either post. The two month long Falklands War, which is the focus of the film, was an important turning point for Thatcher, who, after the victory, saw her approval ratings double and went on to win a second term. I hate to make an expected reference, but if this is anything like The Queen, I'm sure I'll enjoy it, as I really found a lot to like about that film even though I didn't think I would. For now it sounds like things are developing, so stay tuned for more.

I love Broadbent (last seen in Another Year, Perrier's Bounty and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) and I think Streep (last seen in It's Complicated and Fantastic Mr. Fox) is also a great actor and I'm already looking forward to seeing them in these roles. It may be Oscar bait, but it's Oscar bait I'm actually interested in seeing hopefully sooner than later. Damian Jones (Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll) is producing. Thoughts?

Explore tags: Casting, Indies, Movie News

Bash

Why on earth isn't Helen Mirren, a brit, not being considered for this role?

Peachy

Helen Mirren is too beautiful - plus she's played 2 of our Queens, I think

PinkSushit

Sir Thomas Sean Connery is my ideal Margaret thatcher
http://www.themoviescene.co.uk Andy

I don't know, I like the idea of the movie especially on the period it plans to focus upon because I remember it well. But I wouldn't be thinking of Meryl Streep as Mrs. T no matter how much I respect her as an actress. I just hope if Streep does get cast she proves my doubts wrong.
Paul

this will be Her yearly oscar nomination that She doesn't win
Jeeze

This is pretty much Meryl getting desperate for a third oscar. One thing that's going against her at the moment is Jane Eyre, which is another BBC films production starring a starlet as the titilar role. Ever since 2003, when Catherine Zeta Jones beat Meryl Streep at 2002 Oscars, many people got the impression that the majority of Oscar voters are young red blooded men. I sence Deja Vu when Meryl loses to whoever is nominated for Jane Eyre.
ville

Warmongering bitch.
DiR3cT

I bet this film wont point out any of the abhorrent things she did, she can rott in hell.
karamela

meryl you are so cool !!!i love you!!!!!!!!!!!:)