Last year when it was announced that Hollywood was going to make a film about the Iron Lady it caused uproar.

Friends and family were understandably concerned about how she was going to be portrayed and how it would affect the now frail, 85 year old woman.

There was only one woman who could tackle this controversial role: Meryl Streep. Filming started last week and this image (above) is the only one that they’ve released so far.

It’s been reported that the film will see Britain’s first female prime minister reflecting regretfully on her time leading the country and how it affected her home life. Jim Broadbent will play the ghost of her late husband, Sir Denis Thatcher, Anthony Head as Geoffrey Howe, Richard E Grant as Michael Heseltine and Olivia Colman as Carol Thatcher.

“The prospect of exploring the swathe cut through history by this remarkable woman is a daunting and exciting challenge,” Streep said yesterday. “I am trying to approach the role with as much zeal, fervour and attention to detail as the real Lady Thatcher possesses – I can only hope my stamina will begin to approach her own!”

It’s being directed by Phyllida Lloyd, who last worked with Streep on the musical Mamma Mia!, and has been billed as examining power and the price that is paid for power.

We’re waiting with bated breath…

Picture credit: Alex Bailey courtesy of Pathe Productions Ltd

Meryl Streep is the Iron Lady