Meryl Streep and Sigourney Weaver Team Up for Movie "Useful Idiots"

Meryl Streep and Sigourney Weaver have signed on to star in Joseph Cedar’s “Useful Idiots,” a provocative thriller set in New York City.

“Useful Idiots” follows veteran journalist Diane Castle (Streep) as she “covers the New York luxury property market, disillusioned with writing puff pieces about the wealthy elite, and feeling regretful that she may not have lived up to her potential. When a record-breaking sale of a new penthouse hits her desk, Diane’s questions about the buyer’s identity lead to what could be the story of a lifetime. At its center is a mysterious oligarch, whose influence stretches across Manhattan and beyond – protected by a network of fixers, enablers and a brilliant young strategist. Out of her depth, Diane digs deeper into the investigation, her determination to uncover the truth revealing a web of corruption and danger at the highest levels, ensnaring Diane, her family, and all those around her.”

Cedar, who helmed films “Beaufort” and “Footnote,” will direct the pic with a script he co-wrote alongside “60 Minutes” producer Shachar Bar-On.

Fifth Season will finance and produce with Closer Media’s Zhang Xin and Jonathan King, Academy Award-winner Bruce Cohen and William Horberg. Graham Taylor, Christopher Slager, and Dan Guando will executive produce for Fifth Season. 

Black Bear will introduce the project to international buyers at AFM, and CAA Media Finance will handle the U.S. rights.

"Useful Idiots" is the first major film role for three-time Oscar winner Streep since she played the U.S. president in Adam McKay’s 2021 satire "Don’t Look Up". 

She recurs on Hulu comedy "Only Murders in the Building" and is filming "The Devil Wears Prada 2". 

Three-time Oscar nominee Weaver stars in James Cameron’s Avatar films, including the December release "Avatar: Fire and Ash". 

She also has fronted the "Alien" franchise and appeared in "Ghostbusters" films, among dozens of other credits.