Johansson, Seyfried, Witherspoon and Chastain up for Hillary Clinton role

Scarlett Johansson, Amanda Seyfried, Jessica Chastain and Reese Witherspoon are being considered for the role of Hillary Rodham Clinton in 'Rodham', the planned biopic of US politician.

James Ponsoldt, the newcomer who helmed the well-regarded indie films 'Smashed' and 'The Spectacular Now' has signed on to direct the project.

Speaking to The Independent, Ponsoldt said: “They’re all wonderful actresses. We’re very fortunate that a lot of really great actors are interested in playing these roles. We’re in an enviable position.

“Regardless of people’s political affiliation or how they feel about Hillary Clinton, you don’t find people who question the quality of her intelligence or her drive. I want a wonderful actress who could embody that.”

The film will focus on Clinton's early career as a Washington lawyer, and also her involvement in the Watergate scandal, working on the House of Judiciary committee during the investigation.

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The script was written by Young il-Kim and made the annual Hollywood 'black list', where the best scripts in the industry are rounded up.

However, the project has already raised eyebrows due to its risqué scenes and emphasis on the politician's love life.

Kim commented previously: "I didn't write '50 Shades of Rodham', as some news outlets are suggesting. I am a boring prude with little imagination.

"It's an evolving process so I don't know. She was an attractive 26-year-old with an amazing future. And that's our thematic focus."

The role is practically a guaranteed Oscar nomination, with biopics always proving popular with Academy judges. This year Daniel Day-Lewis won an Oscar for playing President Abraham Lincoln in Steven Spielberg's biopic.