'The 355' star Jessica Chastain teases move into directing (exclusive)

Watch: Jessica Chastain talks to Yahoo about her future in film

Taking up the director’s chair could be just around the corner for Jessica Chastain. The Zero Dark Thirty star is both producer and lead in new espionage thriller The 355 (in cinemas this Friday), but talking to Yahoo, she hinted that her directorial debut could be getting closer.

“I’ve recently come across a story which I think is exciting and important to tell,” she told us.

“So I’m going to see how much I can flesh that out and then, if it feels like it’s meant to be, I’ll move forward with trying to put it together.”

Read more: Getting The 355 made was 'difficult' admits Chastain

She’s openly excited about doing something new. “If it feels like I’m outside of my comfort zone, then I definitely tend to leap towards that. I haven’t directed, but it would have to be a story that I’m really passionate about telling.”

But she’s less enthusiastic at the thought of directing herself in a movie, saying: “I’m not so excited about that. I don’t know how that actress will take direction!”

The 355 sees her return to action and espionage as a wildcard CIA agent who joins forces with a trio of rival agents (Diane Kruger, Lupita Nyong’o and Penelope Cruz) to track down a top-secret weapon, which has fallen into mercenary hands. It’s a kickass mission which takes them around the world, while they try to stay out of the way of a mysterious woman who’s tracking their every move.

Read more: Jessica Chastain's skin damaged by new movie role

Already an experienced producer — her company, Freckle Productions, was also behind Ava and The Eyes Of Tammy Faye, as well as The 355 — Chastain has come close to directing before, although she wouldn’t reveal the movie involved.

Watch a trailer for The 355

“I was attached to direct a film a few years ago – it was financed, but it didn’t work out. It wasn’t for me at the end of the day,” she said. The fact that directing is something she’s never done before means it’s just a matter of time before she adds it to her extensive résumé.

In the meantime, she remains one of the most in-demand actors in Hollywood. As well as The 355, The Eyes of Tammy Faye arrives on UK screens on 4 February and she’s already seen as a strong awards contender for her performance in the title role.

Later this year, she’ll be on the small screen as Tammy Wynette in George And Tammy, alongside Michael Shannon, her co-star in 2011’s Take Shelter.

The mini series is currently in production and also re-unites her with John Hillcoat, who directed her ten years ago in Lawless.

The 355 is in cinemas from 7 January.