Steven Spielberg recently got his long-gestating adaptation of Henry James’ The Turn Of The Screw off the ground when he tapped Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (28 Weeks Later, Intacto) to helm his passion project. The ghostly 19th-century tale centers on a governess who slowly loses her mind while minding the children of nobles—that, or the remote country estate where she lives and works is haunted. It’s easy to see the appeal of the material for Spielberg, who’s produced supernatural films before. And while he presumably searches for the right part for his latest muse, Mark Rylance, the production has taken another step forward by casting Rose Leslie as the lead.
Empire reports that the Game Of Thrones and Luther actress will play the young governess who remains unnamed throughout James’ novella. She’s joined by Alfre Woodard in the cast, who will play another employee on the estate. That could be Mrs. Grose, the housekeeper who tells the lead character just how poorly an office romance turned out for the previous governess. There’s currently no word on when filming will begin, but Spielberg will have to juggle his preternatural-producing duties with that Tintin sequel and whatever secret project he’s got going with Peter Jackson.