Well, for the second time in four years, Sally Field has been cast as Mary Todd Lincoln in Steven Spielberg‘s biopic about the 16tth president, Lincoln. Back in 2007, The Hollywood Reporter stated that she’d taken the role — except then she joined Liam Neeson, who’s not actually playing Honest Abe anymore. Daniel Day-Lewis (who we can only assume replaced Neeson because he looks so awesome wearing a top hat) takes that honor. Everyone, including Spielberg, is thrilled.
“I’m excited to be working with Sally for the first time,” Spielberg said. “I’ve admired her films and she has always been my first choice to portray all the fragility and complexity that was Mary Todd Lincoln.”
Lincoln, based on the best-selling book Team of Rivals by Pulitzer Winner Doris Kearns Goodwin, was adapted by another Pulitzer winner (and Tony winner and Academy Award-nominee) that you’ve probably heard of: Tony Kushner (who penned Spielberg’s Munich). The film will focus on the political fights between Lincoln and his cabinet during the build-up to the Civil War. So, yeah. Anyway, congratulations Ms. Field! Again!
