Emma Thompson and Anna Friel to star in film about landmark transgender marriage case

Emma Thompson and Anna Friel have signed up to star in a drama about a landmark transgender case in the U.K.

Hear Me Roar tells the story of Elizabeth Bellinger, who embarked on a legal fight against the British government over her marriage.

Elizabeth tied the knot with Michael Bellinger in 1981 and kept their union a secret from almost everyone until 1998 when she launched a campaign to have the marriage legally recognised.

The film begins with Elizabeth meeting lawyer Ashley Bayston, who co-wrote the film with Lisa McMullin, and follows their lengthy and complicated legal case, which would change the lives of LGBTQ+ people in the U.K.

According to Deadline, Thompson will play Elizabeth Butler-Sloss, the judge in the case, while Friel will star as Bayston. Transgender actress Rebecca Root will play the lead role and Christopher Eccleston will portray her husband Michael.

"I'm weeping like a baby, it's so moving and powerful and funny," Thompson said in a statement. "It's a great story and script with wonderful characters - I just loved it and it moved me deeply. I think it's both fascinating and profoundly meaningful and essential."

Bayston added, "I can't believe this is finally happening and that the story of Liz and my battle is to be told by such an amazing team of actors. We used to joke about a film being made some day but couldn't imagine such young and glamorous actors portraying us. This story has to be told and these are exactly the right people to tell it."

Hear Me Roar will be directed by Amy Coop.