Stage and Screen Star Lily James to Cross the English Channel in YOUNG WOMAN AND THE SEA

First Cinderella and now a real-life mermaid! Variety writes that CINDERELLA's Lily James will play 'Gertrude Ederle' -- the first woman to swim across the English Channel -- in the upcoming biopic YOUNG WOMAN AND THE SEA.

Jeff Nathanson (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES) is adapting the script from Glenn Stout's book of the same name. He will executive produce with Jerry Bruckheimer and Paramount.

Ederle won a gold and two bronze medals in the 1924 Olympics before she decided to attempt the long-distance swim across the Channel. She entered the water at Cap Gris-Nez in France and arrived at Kingsdown, Kent, after 14 hours and 34 minutes, which is the fastest time ever. The athlete went on to play herself in the movie SWIM GIRL, SWIM.

James last appeared on the big screen in the title role of Kenneth Branagh's CINDERELLA and will soon star in the film BABY DRIVER. The actress is known for playing 'Lady Rose' on DOWNTON ABBEY and will soon be seen in BBC TV's upcoming WAR AND PEACE miniseries, as well as THE KAISER'S LAST KISS and PRIDE AND PREJUDIC AND ZOMBIES.

She will next take the stage opposite Richard Madden in Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company's ROMEO AND JULIET. Among her past stage credits are the Young Vic's VERNON GOD LITTLE, Southwark's THE SEAGULL, OTHELLO at the Crucible, and Orange Tree's PLAY HOUSE and DEFINITELY THE BAHAMAS.