Stephen Frears has lined up a pretty high profile pair of actors for his next biopic. Based on the life of socialite turned opera singer Florence Foster Jenkins, FLORENCE will star Meryl Streep in the title role with Hugh Grant as her significant other. Frears has become best known in recent years for his political films like THE QUEEN and PHILOMENA, but he also has a background in more comedic fare like HIGH FIDELITY and MRS HENDERSON PRESENTS.
The story of FLORENCE may not be one familiar to contemporary audiences but it should make for an intriguing film, especially since it would require Meryl Streep to transform herself yet again.
Florence stars Streep as the real-life New York heiress Florence Foster Jenkins, whose dreams of becoming a renowned opera singer are stymied by her laughable lack of talent. Grant will play her live-in partner and manager, the English actor St. Clair Bayfield, who guides Jenkins away from the real truth, which proves challenging when Jenkins decides to perform live at Carnegie Hall.
Currently in pre-production, FLORENCE seems like the typical Meryl Streep film that ends up garnering all sorts of award nominations. It would also represent a meatier role than Hugh Grant has had as of late. The pair on screen should make for an enjoyable movie experience and one to watch come Oscar season next year.
I would expect FLORENCE to be released pretty widely given that Streep is still a top Hollywood actress, so stay tuned for more details as the project gets underway.