Film News: Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts Attached to ‘August: Osage County’

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CHICAGO – In the middle of an Oscar race where their film “The Artist” is favored to win the top prize, The Weinstein Company announced news about a future film today. Co-Chairmen Harvey and Bob Weinstein announced two big names that they have signed for one of their next films: Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts.

Both Academy Award winning actresses, Streep and Roberts will co-star in the new film “August: Osage County,” based on Tracy Letts’ Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-Winning Play. The film will be directed by John Wells.

“I’m delighted and feel very privileged to have the opportunity to direct Meryl and Julia in this magnificent piece written by Tracy Letts,” said Wells. “Meryl’s extraordinary body of work made her the only conceivable choice to play Violet. Coupled with Julia’s effortless mastery of every role she undertakes and her fearlessness as an actress, I’m confident this first ever collaboration with Meryl and Julia will produce an exciting and moving film.”

Roberts added to the excitement Wells conveyed: “After seeing Meryl Streep’s mesmerizing portrayal as Margaret Thatcher in “The Iron Lady,” it has me even more excited and proud to co-star with her.”

“August: Osage County” is the story of the women of the Weston family who have parted ways, but come back together to the Midwest house they grew up in when a family crisis occurs. And with the arrival back to the house comes the time they must share with the dysfunctional woman they grew up with.

No release date has been given for the film, but principal photography has been set to shoot in the Fall of 2012.

By TIM MARTENS Staff Writer HollywoodChicago.com tim@hollywoodchicago.com