Carey Mulligan Turns Down Hillary Clinton Role in 'Rodham'

The opportunity to play possible presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton in Rodham is a great one, but as of now nobody seems willing to to take it on. Already we've seen Jessica Chastain pull her name out of the running to star in James Ponsoldt's biopic, which left Amanda Seyfried, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, and Carey Mulligan as the remaining contenders. A week ago it was Mulligan who emerged as the frontrunner, and now THR reports that she has decided to turn it down, as well.

Insiders say that Mulligan, who recently starred in Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby, was simply not prepared to commit at this time. That doesn't mean producers won't circle back to her later, but it doesn't sound as if she's interested. Ponsoldt is working with writer Young Il Kim on a new draft of the script, while also renewing the search for a lead. He may decide to look beyond the ladies we already know about, and I remain convinced we'll hear Mary Elizabeth Winstead mentioned at some point.

The story would center on Hillary's early career as a lawyer on the committee to impeach Richard Nixon, and will also cover her attempts to deal with unresolved feelings towards Bill Clinton.  Expect Rodham to be in theaters by the 2016 presidential elections.