Connie Britton (Nashville, American Horror Story) has joined the cast as Roger Ailes’ wife in director Jay Roach’s upcoming biopic Fair and Balanced (working title), The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. The film is currently shooting in Los Angeles.
Britton is a Golden Globe and Emmy nominee is best known for her work in TV series Nashville, American Horror Story, and Friday Night Lights, as well as the upcoming show Dirty John. Her movie credits include This Is Where I Leave You, Seeking a Friend for the End of the World, and American Ultra.
The film is described mostly as an ensemble piece, with the majority of the focus being on former Fox News chief Roger Ailes (John Lithgow, The Crown) and his ultimate downfall that came about after a number of women, including Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) and Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron), sued him for harassment. Other characters that will be included in the film are former anchor Greta Van Susteren and former host Bill O’Reilly.
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Malcolm McDowell (Star Wars: Rebels), Margot Robbie (Suicide Squad), Allison Janney (I, Tonya) Kate McKinnon (Ghostbusters), Alanna Ubach (Gloria Bell), Alice Eve (Iron Fist), Mark Duplass (Big Mouth), Elisabeth Rohm (American Hustle), and Spencer Garrett (The Front Runner) also star.
Ailes was fired from Fox News within weeks of Carlson’s suit after several more women came forward with similar allegations of sexual misconduct. Murdoch, who put Ailes in charge of the network in 1996, was one of the news chief’s strongest supporters, though he ultimately made the decision to fire Ailes.
Annapurna dropped the movie two weeks before production was scheduled to begin. Bron Studio is now financing the project with Lionsgate reportedly close to finalizing distribution. Roach (Game Change) will direct the film, based on the screenplay by Charles Randolph. In addition to starring, Theron will produce the feature along with Beth Kong and AJ Dix via Denver & Delilah. Roach, Randolph, and Margaret Riley are also producing.
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