Two-time Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain has decided on her first role since “Zero Dark Thirty” landed her her second nom in as many years (she was nominated last year for “The Help.”) Variety reports Chastain will star opposite Colin Farrell and Samantha Morton in “Miss Julie”, an adaptation of the August Strindberg play that Liv Ullman will direct.
Chastain, in the titular role, will play a young upper class woman in 19th Century Sweden, who decides to go dance at the servants’ annual midsummer party for a bit of fun, and becomes drawn to Jean (presumably Farrell), who is particularly well-read and worldly despite his lower class standing. The two bond and form an attraction to each other even as they battle each other over issues regarding power, sex and freedom. Morton’s role is not specified but is likely that of Jean’s fiancee, a servant who works for Julie’s father. Not surprisingly, this isn’t the only offer Chastain has been considering. Variety reports she’s putting together her 2013 schedule and is deciding on other potential roles.
After having an amazing year in 2011, appearing in no less than six films and receiving her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for “The Help”, Chastain is still having a bit of a Moment two years later. Bin Laden thriller “Zero Dark Thirty” earned her her first Best Actress Oscar nomination, and the film, along with ghost flick “Mama”, put Chastain as the star of both films atop the American box office last weekend. She recently wrapped up companion films “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: His” and “The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby: Hers” and is currently on Broadway as the star of “The Heiress.”



