Rooney Mara Replaces Mia Wasikowska in Todd Haynes' 'Carol'

Change has been a constant for the adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's Carol (aka The Price of Salt), which was announced last year with the tantalizing trio of Cate Blanchett, Mia Wasikowska, and Closed Circuit director John Crowley. When Crowley was forced to drop out last spring, an equally promising choice was made as Todd Haynes (Far From Heaven) came aboard to replace him. And now it looks like another swap is taking place, only this time it will be in front of the camera.

Screen Daily reports that Wasikowska has now exited the 1950s period piece, with Rooney Mara stepping in. The New York-set tale, penned by Phyllis Nagy, follows the budding relationship between two very different women. Mara would play a 20-something girl working in a department store but with much bigger aspirations; while Blanchett is a wealthy wife stuck in a loveless marriage.

It's a great premise, and for Blanchett should be an interesting twist on the character she played to great acclaim in Woody Allen's Blue Jasmine. Mara continues to work with some of today's most accomplished auteurs, and of course the 1950s setting is perfect for Haynes, who has dabbled in the era previously. Filming on Carol begins next spring.