Jessica Chastain is a superhero, and now she’s signed on to play one on the big screen. Variety reports that the outspoken equal rights advocate will produce and star in “Painkiller Jane,” an adaptation of a graphic novel series of the same name. “The Martian” star will play the title role.
“The lead character is an undercover police officer assigned to infiltrate a mob who doesn’t realize that an explosive device has been planted on her,” Variety writes. “She’s severely injured, but her target manages to revive her and give her superhuman regenerative powers. She then becomes the vigilante Painkiller Jane, leaving behind her life as a police officer.”
Chastain will produce through her Freckle Films banner, and is teaming up with Lotus Entertainment’s Lenny Beckerman and Solipsist Films’ Stephen L’Heureux.
“Painkiller Jane” has previously been adapted: The graphic novel inspired a 2005 TV movie and a 2007 series. Both projects aired on the Syfy channel.
No word on who will write or direct the project, but the two-time Oscar nominee, who has repeatedly called for more inclusivity in Hollywood, recently revealed that she has set a goal to work with a female filmmaker every year. “They’re not given the same opportunities, so if I have any influence in choosing a film or a script or finding a director, I’m absolutely going to make a difference,” she said. Hopefully “Painkiller Jane” will be one of the rare superhero movies helmed by a woman.
Chastain’s upcoming projects include Niki Caro’s “The Zookeeper’s Wife” and Susanna White’s “Woman Walks Ahead.” You can catch her next in “Miss Sloane,” which sees her playing a lobbyist who takes on the gun industry. Chastain met with 11 female lobbyists to prepare for the role. “Miss Sloane” hits theaters November 25.
