Hollywood star Meryl Streep to play Margaret Thatcher in new film

Oscar-winner Meryl Streep is poised to play Margaret Thatcher in a film of the former Prime Minister’s life.

The part will reunite the Hollywood star with Mamma Mia! director Phyllida Lloyd, who is making the biopic.

Backers Pathe and Film4 said in a joint statement last night: “We can confirm Meryl Streep has expressed interest in playing the role of Margaret Thatcher. Discussions are under way with her representatives.

“But no agreement is in place. The film is scheduled to shoot at the end of the year.”

Lady Thatcher’s late husband Denis could be played by Jim Broadbent, also said to be in talks, according to Hollywood Reporter.

The film, which focuses on the 1982 Falklands conflict, is based on a script by Abi Morgan, whose screen-writing has included Sex Traffic and Brick Lane.

Streep, who won Oscars for Kramer vs Kramer and Sophie’s Choice and has been nominated 16 times, will be the latest in a series of actresses to have played Mrs T.

Others have included Lindsay Duncan, in BBC drama Margaret earlier this year, Kika Markham, in the BBC adaptation of The Line of Beauty in 2006, Maureen Lipman in About Face in 1989 and Angela Thorne in Anyone for Denis in 1982.