Oscar winning actresses Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep are set to take on the film adaptation of the critically acclaimed stage play August: Osage County according to Deadline. The pair will play mother and daughter in the quirky dark comedy that tells the story of a working class Oklahoma family dealing with myriad family struggles.
The Weinstein Company will be producing the film and have brought on The Company Man director John Wells to direct the much anticipated film. Harvey Weinstein must be awfully impressed with the inexperienced director’s upcoming release to be handing him such a hot property. Veteran filmmaker Mike Nichols was once in talks to direct the adaptation.
Streep has long been rumored for the lead role as all juicy roles for women over 50 are automatically reserved for the legendary actress but the casting of Roberts is somewhat of a surprise considering that her part is a bit outside of her usual comfort zone. In contrast, Laura Linnery was heavily buzzed for the role before Roberts signed on. No need, however, for the other 50+ actress to pull a Tanya Harding on Streep just yet as the role of her sister (which won a Supporting Actress Tony) has yet to be cast.
The two stars are currently locking down their respective deals and the film expected to go before cameras next summer.
Are you excited by the pairing of Streep and Roberts or do you think they are miscast in these roles?