Barbara Streisand Will Direct Catherine The Great Biopic

Catherine II of Russia on engraving from the 1850s. Empress of Russia from1762 to 1796, also known as Catherine The Great. Engraved by R. Woodman and published in London by Charles Knight & Co Ludgate Street (Thinkstock).

Barbra Streisand will direct a movie about Catherine the Great, who ruled over Russia for 34 years, it was announced today.

Casting has begun on “Catherine the Great,” which is about “a young, sensual Catherine trapped into an abusive marriage with the heir to the Russian throne,” according to a statement from Gil Netter, who is producing the film.

When Catherine’s “inept husband proves incapable of ruling, she utilizes her intelligence, fortitude, and passion to rise to power, becoming Catherine the Great,” according to the production house.

The last movie Streisand helmed was “The Mirror Has Two Faces” in 1996. Her only other film-directing credits are “Yentl” in 1983 and “The Price of Tides” in 1991. “The Prince of Tides” was nominated for a best picture Oscar.

Streisand won Oscars for best actress in “Funny Girl” and best original song for “Evergreen” from the film “A Star is Born.”