Russian dramatist Anton Chekhov's 1895 drama is heading to the big screen with Oscar nominees Bening and Ronan in the lead roles, and Tony Award-winning Michael Mayer in the director's chair.

House of Cards actor Corey Stoll and newcomer Billy Howle have also landed roles in the film, which is slated to start shooting this summer (15).

Vanessa Redgrave and James Mason previously starred in a big screen adaptation of The Seagull in 1968.