The Fox Searchlight biopic The Eyes of Tammy Faye has cast its two leads. Variety reports that Jessica Chastain and Andrew Garfield will play Tammy Faye and Jim Baker, respectively.
Based on Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato’s documentary of the same name, the film tells the extraordinary and outlandish rise, fall and redemption of televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. In the 1970s and ’80s, the Bakers created the world’s largest religious broadcasting network and a theme park, and were revered for their message of love, acceptance and prosperity. Before long, the couple’s financial improprieties, scheming rivals, and sexual scandal tore their marriage apart and toppled their faith-based empire.
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The Eyes of Tammy Faye will be directed by Michael Showalter (The Big Sick) from a script by Abe Sylvia. In addition to starring, Chastain will produce along with her producing partner Kelly Carmichael through their Freckle Films production banner. Also producing are Gigi Pritzker and Rachel Shane through their Madison Wells Media. Jordana Mollick will serve as executive producer. She’s also currently collaborating with Showalter on a comedy set to star Octavia Spencer.
Chastain can be seen in the upcoming X-Men film Dark Phoenix, as well as adult Beverly in IT: Chapter Two. Garfield recently starred in A24’s dark horse release, Under the Silver Lake, and he’ll play pianist James Marsh in the upcoming Instrumental. On stage, his performance in the play Angels in America recently won him a Tony.
(Photo credit: Backgrid)
