Felicity Jones to Star in Ruth Bader Ginsburg Biopic On the Basis of Sex

Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) is having her fair share of success these days. It was previously reported that Natalie Portman (Black Swan) was attached to the upcoming Ruth Bader Ginsburg biopic, On The Basis of Sex, but it was just announced that instead Jones would be taking on the role of the Supreme Court Justice, arguably the most popular Justice on the court in generations. How many other Justices get a nickname? For Ginsburg fans, she’s the Notorious RBG.

This change comes as a bit of a surprise as it previously appeared that Portman was closely involved in the creative process. However, the reason for Portman’s departure is unknown; she helped with the hire of director Mimi Leder (Pay it Forward). The script is written by Daniel Stiepleman and was previously listed on the 2014 Black list. Focus Features and Participant Media are attached as production companies.

The film is rumored to chronicle RBG’s fight for women’s rights as well as the obstacles that she has faced throughout her career.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1993 by President Clinton to become the second female justice (Sandra Day O’Connor being the first) and the first Jewish female justice. Prior to taking the bench, Ginsburg developed a reputation as a strong advocate of women’s rights. RBG is still a sitting justice, and is one of three female justices along with Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.