Emma Thompson, Christopher Eccleston & Anna Friel to star in historic trans marriage case film

Emma Thompson and Anna Friel are to star in a film about a landmark trans case in the UK. Rebecca Root and Christopher Eccleston will play the central couple.

‘Hear Me Roar’ narrates the journey of Elizabeth Bellinger, who pursued a legal battle against the British government regarding her marriage.

Elizabeth married Michael Bellinger in 1981, concealing their marriage from almost everyone until 1998 when she began her campaign to have it legally recognised.

According to ‘Pearl and Dean’, the film starts with Elizabeth’s encounter with lawyer Ashley Bayston, who co-authored the screenplay with Lisa McMullin, and tracks their extensive and intricate legal battle, which had a profound impact on the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK.

Deadline reports that Thompson will portray Elizabeth Butler-Sloss, the judge in the case, while Friel will play Bayston. Trans actress Rebecca Root will take on the lead role, with Christopher Eccleston as her husband Michael.

In a statement, Thompson expressed, “I’m weeping like a baby, it’s so moving and powerful and funny. It’s a great story and script with wonderful characters – I just loved it and it moved me deeply. I think it’s both fascinating and profoundly meaningful and essential.”

Bayston remarked, “I can’t believe this is finally happening and that the story of Liz and my battle is to be told by such an amazing team of actors. We used to joke about a film being made some day but couldn’t imagine such young and glamorous actors portraying us. This story has to be told and these are exactly the right people to tell it.”

Amy Coop will direct ‘Hear Me Roar.’