Julia Roberts is to take on the role of Meryl Streep's daughter in a new movie adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway play, August: Osage Country.

The film, produced by Weinstein Company and directed by John Wells, the man behind ER, will see the Oscar winning actresses take on lead roles for the first time together.

August: Osage Country is a comi-drama set in the Oklahoma plains and focuses on the unfolding of a family drama at a meal after a funeral.

It was heralded by some as the greatest American production of the 21st Century when it opened on Broadway four years ago.

Meryl, who is up for an Oscar this month for her portrayal of Maggie Thatcher in The Iron Lady, will play Julia's pill-popping mother in the film.

“After seeing Meryl Streep's mesmerizing portrayal as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady, it has me even more excited and proud to co-star with her," Julia said.

Production will begin in the autumn.

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Meryl Streep plays Julia Roberts' mum