The Wrap reports that Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty, The Help) is in talks to play Marilyn Monroe in Andrew Dominik’s adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates’ 2000 novel Blonde. Brad Pitt’s and Dede Gardner’s Plan B and Worldview Entertainment will produce. Worldview optioned the film in 2013, the latest move in a long-developing project. A previous version had Naomi Watts in the starring role, with a photo of her in costume released in 2010. Chastain is a natural redhead, but previously dyed her hair blonde for The Help.

Here’s a synopsis of the book: She was an all-American girl who became a legend of unparalleled stature. She inspired the adoration of millions, and her life has beguiled generations of fans and fellow artists. The story of Norma Jean Baker—better known by her studio name “Marilyn Monroe”—has been dissected for more than three decades, but never has it been captured in a narrative as breathtaking and transforming as Blonde.

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New Regency, RatPac Entertainment and Plan B have acquired 3 Videotapes, a pitch by Ian McCulloch that puts both companies in the low-budget genre game. The film is an elevated thriller with aspects of The Ring and Memento. RatPac’s Brett Ratner is executive producer. New Regency’s Arnon Milchan and Brad Weston brought in Plan B last fall after they collaborated on Best Picture winner 12 Years A Slave.

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