In welcome but wholly unsurprising news, outspoken actress Jessica Chastain has launched a production company.

Chastain is partnering up with development executive Elise Siegel at Freckle Films, which signed a first-look overhead deal with Maven Pictures. Maven is led by Celine Rattray (“The Kids Are All Right”), Trudie Styler (“Still Alice,” “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels”) and Charlotte Ubben.

“I’m excited to launch Freckle Films, and I can’t imagine a better production partner than Maven Pictures,” said Chastain. “Trudie and Celine are not only both highly experienced and successful producers, but the projects they’ve created demonstrate their tenacious dedication to strong characters and compelling stories that clearly resonate with audiences. It’s an honor to work with them, as well as their company, one that mirrors many of the goals that I aspire to achieve with Freckle Films.”

Unsurprisingly, given Chastain’s advocacy of women’s issues in the film industry, we can probably expect female stories and storytellers out of the venture.

Rattray said, “Trudie and I have always been great admirers of Jessica both on screen and off. Her intelligence, passion and talent are something that so naturally align with our work and mission at Maven Pictures — showcasing female talent both in front of and behind the camera. We are immensely thrilled about the opportunity to work together for many years to come.”

Among the two companies’ upcoming projects are two book adaptations: those of Greer Macallister’s “The Magician’s Lie” and Camille Pagan’s “Life and Other Near-Death Experiences.”

Chastain will next be seen in “The Huntsman: Winter’s War.” The actress recently wrapped production on Niki Caro’s “The Zookeeper’s Wife.”

[via Variety]