In recent days we've heard some big name actresses mentioned in connection with the lead role in the upcoming Hilary Clinton biopic Rodham. Late last month a short list emerged that included Reese Witherspoon, Amanda Seyfried, Scarlett Johansson and Jessica Chastain for the part - but it turns out that another actress is actually the frontrunner for the gig.

The Hollywood Reporter has learned from sources that Oscar nominee is the current top choice to play the strong-willed politician. At this time there is no contract and no deal has been made, but Mulligan is going to sit down with director James Ponsoldt, and apparently "both sides are eager for it to work." The trade adds that Emma Stone was also in contention for the part.

Rather than being set during Clinton's time as First Lady, a New York Senator or Secretary of State, the new film goes back to when she was a young lawyer and serving on the House Judiciary Committee to Impeach Nixon after the Watergate scandal. While Mulligan can certainly rock a short haircut, one element that separates her from the crowd is that she's English, not American. But certainly an actress of her caliber will have no trouble covering that up.

Mulligan was most recently seen in Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of The Great Gatsby, and around Christmas will play the female lead in the Coen brothers' Inside Llewyn Davis. She also recently had a hysterical appearance on The Colbert Report, which you can watch and enjoy below.