Amy Adams to Join Streep and Hoffman in 'Doubt' Film?

Back Stage reports that Oscar-nominee Amy Adams, who rose to fame with her performance in the film Junebug, is in negotiations to star alongside Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman in the upcoming film version of John Patrick Shanley's Doubt.

Adams would play Sister James, described as "the young nun in the middle of a tense confrontation in which a Bronx Catholic school principal (Streep) accuses a priest (Hoffman) of pedophilia."

With a screenplay and direction by Shanley (who won an Oscar for his Moonstruck screenplay), the film will be produced by Scott Rudin for Miramax.  Production will likely begin in December.

Adams received an Oscar nod as Best Supporting Actress for her work in the independent film hit Junebug.  Adams' other film credits include Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Fast Track, Standing Still, Catch Me If You Can, Pumpkin, Cruel Intentions 2 and Psycho Beach Party.  TV credits include "The Office" and "Smallville."  Upcoming films include the Mike Nichols drama Charlie Wilson's War.

Shanley previously stated that there would be considerable filming on location for the movie version of the play, which is set in a Bronx parochial school.  While the play only featured four actors, the film's cast will be expanded to include the black student who has reputedly been sexually abused by Father Flynn.  Other students will also feature as minor characters.

"Set against the backdrop of a Bronx Catholic school in 1964, the show is the story of a strong-minded woman faced with a difficult decision. Should she voice concerns about one of her male colleagues…even if she's not entirely certain of the truth?," stated press notes for the show's Broadway run.

Doubt opened on Broadway on March 9th, 2005 and ran through July 2nd, 2006; it had originally played a hit run at Manhattan Theatre Club.  With a Tony-winning performances by Cherry Jones and Adriane Lenox, and Tony-nominated work by Brian F. O'Byrne, the show won the 2005 Tony Award for Best Play in addition to the Pulitzer Prize.  Doug Hughes won a Tony for directing the play.

Heather Goldenhersh originated the part of Sister James on Broadway.

Photo by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.