Pitt Plays Pickford's First Hubby

Michael Pitt has been cast in the biopic about actress Mary Pickford called The First says The Press Association.

Based on the book "Pickford: The Woman Who Made Hollywood" by author Eileen Whitfield--Josh Fagin is writing the adapted script which will explore the life of Pickford, (Lily Rabe) a silent film star known as "America’s Sweetheart" who was both one of the creators of United Artists and one of the co-founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She is considered a central figure in the shaping of the Hollywood industry. She died in 1979 at the age of 87 of a brain hemorrhage.

Ryan Simpkins (A Single Man) will also play Pickford in her younger years. Pitt will play Owen Moore, the first husband of Mary. They had a troubled marriage, made harder by Owen's alcoholism and insecurity about living in her shadow.

Jude Law will play legendary actor Douglas Fairbanks--who was married to Pickford later in her life.

Jennifer DeLia will direct and produce the pic with Julie Pacino.

Production will kick off early next year.