BLACKBIRD's Michelle Williams in Talks to Play Iconic Rock Star Janis Joplin

According to Variety, Michelle Williams is in discussions to take on the role of iconic rock star Janis Jopin in the upcoming biopic JANIS. The project, to be directed by Sean Durkin, is based on the book "Love, Janis" which also served as the basis for the 2013 Broadway musical A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, starring Mary Bridget Davies.

The legendary singer, who rose to fame throughout the 1960's, died of a drug overdose in 1970 at the age of 27. According to the report, the new feature film will focus on the final six months of her life.

Williams will soon be seen in the film "Manchester by the Sea," and Kelly Reichardt's "Certain Women" opening next Friday. Next up is a starring role in "The Greatest Showman on Earth," which begins production next month.

The actress was nominated for a 2016 Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play for her role as Una in BLACKBIRD on Broadway. She made her Broadway debut as Sally Bowles in CABARET. Her previous theater credits include the off-Broadway production of Mike Leight's Smelling a Rat and Tracy Letts Killer Joe, and the Williamstown Theatre Festival production of The Cherry Orchard.

Williams is a three-time Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe Award winner. Her many film credits include OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL, MY WEEK WITH MARILYN and BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN. Her TV credits include the HBO film If These Walls Could Talk 2, and a six year run as Jen Lindley on Dawsen's Creek.

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