MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Meryl Streep plays Lady Thatcher leading up to the Falklands’ conflict

First official photo of Meryl “Thatcher”

The first photo of Meryl Streep as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was released by Pathé UK Tuesday. Streep is currently filming “The Iron Lady” in London which focuses mainly on the period immediately prior to the Falkland Islands conflict.

“The prospect of exploring the swathe cut through history by this remarkable woman is a daunting and exciting challenge” Streep, 61, said in a statement of becoming Thatcher, now 85.

“I am trying to approach the role with as much zeal, fervor and attention to detail as the real Lady Thatcher possesses - I can only hope my stamina will begin to approach her own,” she added.

The biopic, which also stars Jim Broadbent as Lady Thatcher's husband Denis, began filming at the end of January and is being made by Pathe and BBC Films directed by British director Phyllida Lloyd, who is best known for her theatre work.

Streep, one of the most successful actresses in Hollywood, was seen as one of the few women capable of convincingly playing Lady Thatcher. However, producers faced concerns over how an American would be received playing the part, and suggestions that the role should have gone go to a British actress.

The film focus is on the period immediately prior to the South Atlantic conflict. The Falklands marked a crucial point in the former prime minister's career and the film will unfold over a period of 17 days leading up to the war, showing how she dealt with the pressure.

Lloyd previously directed Streep in the 2008 Hollywood blockbuster Mamma Mia!, which was based on a Broadway musical. It became the highest grossing film musical of all time.

Streep has been nominated for 16 Oscars, more than any other actor or actress. She has won two, for Kramer vs. Kramer and Sophie's Choice. She is currently 61 and Lady Thatcher was 56 at the time the film is set