Gwyneth Paltrow is set to star alongside Nicole Kidman in THE DANISH GIRL, the film adaptation of David Ebershoff’s novel. The book and film center around a slightly fictionalized account of the relationship between Einar Wegener, the first post-operative transsexual (to be played by Kidman), and his wife Gerda (the role Paltrow will fill). Paltrow’s role was previously occupied by Charlize Theron, who dropped out of the project in September.

LET THE RIGHT ONE IN director Thomas Alfredson will helm the film, using an adapted script by Lucinda Coxon. The story of the Wegeners is an interesting one. Both painters, the Wegeners often worked together, and when Gerda found herself in need of a female subject to paint, she asked her husband to fill in. Einar got spectacularly into the assignment, and it is posited that the cross-dressing he did while posing for his wife sparked something in him. As time went on, Gerda’s work became increasingly popular, and Einar adopted the persona of the woman who posed for Gerda – he called himself “Lili Elbe.” Eventually, Einar under went the still-experimental sexual reassignment surgery to fully become a woman. Even after the surgery, Gerda and Lili remained in a romantic relationship.

THE DANISH GIRL will certainly be another feather in Kidman’s acting cap, but I am interested in seeing how Paltrow plays her role of Gerda. Since winning her Oscar for 1998’s SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, I have often been disappointed by her more serious roles. Gerda could be the push she needs to live up to the expectations the term “Oscar winner” implies.

Nicole Kidman officially joined the production in September.

Source Variety