It stands to figure that, as two of the top names in a booming era for women comedians, Kristen Wiig and Anna Faris are often at the top of casting directors' lists. That's the case for a new major comedy film, for which both stars are in contention to play alongside a polarizing comedic genius.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wiig and Faris, along with "Community" star Gillian Jacobs, have read for and are in contention to play the leading lady role next to Sacha Baron Cohen in "The Dictator." It could be a controversial project; based on the book "Zabibah and the King," by none other than Saddam Hussein, it tells the story of a benevolent dictator who falls in love with the abused wife of a cruel man who rapes her.
What seems like it could be a sweet love story is actually an allegory for Iraqi and the United States -- the king (based, obviously, on Saddam) is the peaceful Iraq, while the cruel, rapist husband is the Gulf War-waging United States.
Baron Cohen, of course, is set to play the Saddam character, as well as a poor goat herder.
Wiig and Faris will go head-to-head in a way this summer, as both play lead in their own female-centric sex comedies. Wiig co-wrote and stars in "Bridesmaids," while Faris is the protagonist in "What's Your Number?".
For more, click over to The Hollywood Reporter.