Carey Mulligan has emerged as a surprise “front-runner” to portray former First Lady Hillary Clinton in a new film.
She reportedly beat out Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Chastain and Emma Stone to land the highly sought after role of the young politician in the indie drama, “Rodham.”
Sources tell the Hollywood Reporter the 28-year-old British star – who plays Leonardo DiCaprio’s love interest in “The Great Gatsby” – has become producers’ “top choice” to play Clinton during her formative years in public service.
Mulligan is to meet with director James Ponsoldt soon and they are eager for it to work, the Hollywood trade reports. However, insiders said that no formal decision has been made and other actresses are still in the running.
The film will showcase the future NY senator and secretary of state as a young lawyer on the committee involved in the impeachment of Richard Nixon.
The biopic will also look at her relationship with future husband and president Bill Clinton.
Carey other credits include “Shame” and “Drive.” She was nominated for “Best Actress” for the 2009 film “An Education.”