Cate Blanchett To Star In FX Limited Series, 'Mrs. America'

Image from Bustle

By Darian Scalamoni

            FX is adding a huge star for its new limited series, one who will get everyone excited and tuning in. According to TheHollywood Reporter, Cate Blanchett has signed on to star in Mrs. America, a nine-episode miniseries that will focus on Phyllis Schlafly and her opposed views on the Equal Rights Amendment. Blanchett will also executive produce the show.

            Mrs. America tells the true story of Schlafly’s unexpected backlash opposing the movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. The series will explore how a battle within the 70s to help put everyone on an equal playing field was one of the toughest cultural wars of all-time. The show will be seen through the eyes of Schlafly as well as second-wave feminists such as Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan and Shirley Chisholm, just to name a few.

            The show will be Blanchett’s first role for U.S. television and it is set to be written by Emmy-winning writer, Dahvi Waller who previously wrote and produced episodes of Mad Men and Halt and Catch Fire. “I feel privileged to have this opportunity to collaborate with Dahvi, Stacey and Coco under the robust and fearless FX umbrella,” Blanchett said. “I am extremely excited about delving into the material as there couldn’t be a more appropriate time to peel back the layers of this recent period of history, which couldn’t be more relevant today.”

            Blanchett is obviously a huge get for the network which is doing its best to compete with rivals Netflix and HBO. FX can soon be operated and owned by Disney if the acquisition of Fox goes according to plan. Blanchett is a 2-time Oscar-winner for roles in The Aviator and Blue Jasmine.

            Mrs. America joins a roster of scripted shows that includes Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story and American Crime Story, Noah Hawley’s Legion and Fargo as well as other series such as Trust, Mayans MC, Snowfall, Taboo and the upcoming Fosse/Verdon starring Michelle Williams, Sam Rockwell and Lin-Manuel Miranda.