Jessica Chastain Eyed To Topline Woman Walking Ahead

Jessica Chastain who features in the movies The Martian and A Most Violent Year has opened negotiations to topline the upcoming Native American film, Woman Walking Ahead.

The Oscar-nominated actress is circling the role of Catherine Weldon, a real-life Brooklyn artist and activist who marched resolutely to the Standing Rock Reservation in the late 19th century to express solidarity with Sitting Bull, a “Hunkpapa Lakota holy man who led his people during years of resistance to United States government policies.” At the time, Dakota Territory was the topic of heated debate between the government and the tribal resistance. However, despite her best intentions, Weldon was ironically banished from the camp, and the Standing Rock people were pushed into signing away their land. Lambasted by the American press, Weldon was referred to as “Sitting Bull’s white squaw,” though Chastain’s character stood firm in the face of adversary. Upon revisiting the area with her young son some years later, she earned the title Woman Walking Ahead for her eccentric qualities.

A meaty and enviable role for Chastain, then, who is fast becoming one of the more prolific actresses in all of Hollywood. Should the deal fall into place, she’ll join a production that will be helmed by director Susanna White, who herself is adapting Weldon’s inspiring tale alongside screenwriter Stephen Locke.