Julia Stiles - Julia Stiles joins The First biopic

Julia Stiles joins The First biopic

Julia Stiles has been cast in Mary Pickford biopic 'The First'.

The 'Ten Things I Hate About You' actress will portray iconic screenwriter Frances Marion in the film about celebrated Hollywood silent film star Mary.

Director Jennifer DeLia said: ''Julia is someone I could instantly envision in that era and within the world of Old Hollywood. I've watched her work since I was a kid in the mid 90s when she was emerging as a very cool and very talented actress.

''In my eyes, she has never wavered from being someone totally dedicated to what she does.''

Frances was one of Mary's frequent collaborators and was the first woman in history to win an Oscar in 1930, earning the 'Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay)' award for 'The Big House'. She also won the 'Best Story' Oscar in 1932 for 'The Champ'.

'The First' is based on Eileen Whitfield's biography entitled 'Pickford: The Woman Who Made Hollywood' and boasts Dominick Fairbanks, the great grandson of Mary's second husband Douglas Fairbanks, as one of its producers.

Lily Rabe, Michael Pitt and Ryan Simpkins round out the cast.