Margaret Thatcher makes her point in a press conference, April 1979.
It's already being tagged The Queen II: Iron Lady. As today's Guardian points out, after the success of The Queen, it was inevitable that film-makers would soon turn their gaze to that other leading lady of recent times, Margaret Thatcher. More representations of women in positions of power, rather than the usual men, makes for a refreshing change of the film industry's focus, although let's hope that Thatcher - The Movie delivers more than just an award-winning lead.
But what a lead it would be for a British actor to land. Indeed, the one question on everyone's lips is: who will play Thatcher? Helen Mirren is, of course, a shoo-in for the part. But is it too soon for her to make the leap in audience's minds from royalty rocked by a princess's death to Tory leader floundering before the Falklands war?
The Guardian suggests actor and comedian Steve Nallon for the part, who in turn recommends, er, Sharon Osbourne. Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw rather optimistically opts for Sharon Stone, as well as Julia Davis of Fanny Craddock fame. Then there's Kika Markham and Sylvia Syms, who have both played Thatcher in the past, and Judi Dench, who hasn't.
Who would you like to see playing The Iron Lady on the silver screen? Or if that doesn't inspire your creativity enough, join this blogger in composing a suitable anthem for the film. And be grateful that this time, we've been spared a musical.
