In what sounds like fan fiction dreamed up by feminist film lovers, word has come that Gloria Steinem’s memoir, “My Life on the Road,” is being adapted for the big screen. And Julie Taymor and Tony-nominated playwright Sarah Ruhl are taking it there. Deadline broke the news that the former will direct the feminist activist’s coming-of-age story and the latter will pen the screenplay.
The film, hailing from June Pictures, will chronicle “Steinem’s growth into a galvanizing symbol for equality, with a focus on the surprising encounters along the road that helped shaped her,” the source writes.
Taymor is perhaps best known for directing Broadway sensation “The Lion King.” Her screen credits include “Frida” and “Across the Universe.” “In the Next Room” and “The New World” are among Ruhl’s stage credits. This project marks her debut as a screenwriter.
In addition to directing, Taymor is also producing alongside Lynn Hendee (“Ender’s Game”) and June Pictures’ Andrew Duncan and Alex Saks. Steinem and Amy Richards (“WOMAN with Gloria Steinem”) are serving as executive producers.
“I can’t imagine anyone more magical than Julie Taymor — or more understanding than Lynn Hendee and Sarah Ruhl,” said Steinem. “So now that we are on this journey together, I hope and believe the result will encourage many more travelers — especially women in all our diverse realities — to tell our own stories.”
Taymor added, “When I read the book, it demanded that it be a film. It’s so vividly cinematic, with entertaining and complex characters and, like Gloria herself, also witty and provocative. From reluctant spokesperson to a beacon of positive change, hers is a singular journey — an American leader who can speak to us all.”
“My Life on the Road” was released in 2015. Steinem’s other books include “Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellions,” “Revolution from Within: A Book of Self-Esteem,” and “Doing Sixty & Seventy.” Along with Jane Fonda and Robin Morgan, Steinem co-founded the Women’s Media Center, an organization that works towards making women more visible in media. She also co-founded Ms. magazine.
Last year Steinem debuted “WOMAN with Gloria Steinem.” The weekly Viceland docuseries is hosted by Steinem and highlights the work of a team of all-female journalists reporting stories about women and men who fight against gender-based violence. The first season concluded last June. No word yet on whether “WOMAN” will receive a second season.
Other upcoming female-led projects about pioneering activists to look forward to include Julie’s Dash’s biopic of civil rights leader Rosa Parks and Brie Larson-starrer “Victoria Woodhull,” a portrait of the first woman to run for president of the United States. Woodhull represented the Equal Rights Party.
