Keira Knightley is reportedly in talks to play Catherine the Great in an upcoming film directed by Barbra Streisand.
Keira Knightley in Talks to Play Catherine the Great for Director Barbra Streisand https://t.co/SsEfJTVlrc pic.twitter.com/N9QXbNJuhr
— TheWrap (@TheWrap) February 18, 2016
This isn’t recent news, however, although the press didn’t grab wind of it until recently. It was last year when Keira Knightley first met with Streisand to discuss the project. The Hollywood Reporter says talks are progressing slowly.
Catherine the Great was born Sophia Augusta Fredericka, and wound up the longest-ruling female ruler of Russia. The as-yet unnamed biopic will follow her life, including her marriage to abusive husband Emperor Peter III, and her eventual rise to power.
This biopic will mark the fourth film directed by Barbra Streisand.
In addition to this possible upcoming role, Keira Knightley has starred in The Pirates of the Caribbean, The Imitation Game, Anna Karenina, and Pride & Prejudice. She recently joined the cast of Collateral Beauty alongside Helen Mirren, Will Smith, Edward Norton, Naomie Harris, and Michael Pena.
A film about Catherine the Great will be directed by Barbra Streisand and played by Keira Knightley! pic.twitter.com/cj9Nrm3x22
— ODEON (@ODEONCinemas) February 19, 2016
Can you imagine Keira Knightley in this role as Catherine the Great? She has certainly proven herself in period films.
Fans will have to wait until December 17, however, as it’s not slated to hit the big screen until then.