Cate Blanchett Digs "The Dig"

Cate Blanchett is in talks to star in the drama "The Dig" says Screen.

Based upon author John Preston’s novel, the story deals with one of Britain's most famous archaeological finds -The Sutton Hoo burial grounds. The film will chronicle the characters behind the excavation in 1938 and 1939 which uncovered sixth and seventh century riches included a 27-metre ship just as World War II began.

Blanchett would play amateur archaeologist Edith Pretty, one of the driving forces behind the excavation who was also coming to terms with the recent death of her husband at the time.

Moira Buffini ("Tamara Drewe," "Byzantium") penned the script from which  Susanne Bier will direct.

Production aims to begin later this year.