The Great Gatsby star Carey Mulligan has emerged as the top choice to play Hillary Rodham Clinton in the biopic Rodham.

Other actresses such as Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Chastain, and Emma Stone were once thought to be in contention for the coveted role, although now Carey Mulligan appears to be the favorite of director James Ponsoldt (Smashed, The Spectacular Now). Nothing is finalized yet, and other actresses are still in the mix, but Carey Mulligan and James Ponsoldt will meet soon, and both sides are eager to work out a deal quickly.

Young Il Kim wrote the screenplay, which landed on the 2012 Black List. The story follows a young Hillary Rodham Clinton, who was one of the lawyers on the committee to impeach President Richard Nixon, as she tries to balance her burgeoning career and her feelings for future President Bill Clinton.

Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen are producing through their Temple Hill company, although it isn't known when production may begin.

After getting an Oscar nomination for 2009's An Education, Carey Mulligan's career has flourished, starring in critical darlings such as Never Let Me Go, Drive, and Shame. She will next be seen in Inside Llewyn Davis alongside Oscar Isaac and Justin Timberlake.