It's official: Lindsay Lohan will play Elizabeth Taylor in Lifetime's upcoming biopic.
The female-skewing cable network announced Monday that the actress will play the icon in Liz & Dick, the TV film based on Taylor's romance with Richard Burton. Production will begin in early June in Los Angeles.
"I have always admired and had enormous respect for Elizabeth Taylor. She was not only an incredible actress but an amazing woman as well. I am very honored to have been asked to play this role," Lohan said in a statement announcing the news.
Rumors of Lohan's casting first surfaced in January, with the former Mean Girls star in talks to play Taylor in the project, which has been in development at Lifetime since last May. Independent producer Larry Thompson, who previously worked with the cabler on its 2010 telepic Amish Grace, is overseeing the project.
"We are thrilled Lindsay will portray beloved Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor,” Lifetime executive vp programming Rob Sharenow said. "She is one of the rare actresses who possesses the talent, beauty and intrigue to capture the spirit of such a provocative icon."
The casting marks the latest in Lohan's comeback, and comes after the troubled actress hosted Saturday Night Live to mixed reviews. The former tween star also has an upcoming guest appearance on Fox's Glee, playing a heightened version of herself in a judge at the musical dramedy's Nationals competition.
Even though, this biopic is for Lifetime this could honestly be her defining moment in her acting career. If she does the role justice, I could see her getting some awards credibility. I wish her well!
