Photo of Michelle Williams by David Crotty/AP

Michelle Williams is in early talks to star as Janis Joplin in Sean Durkin’s forthcoming biopic about the '60s rock icon.

Variety first reported Monday night that Williams, who is expected to be an Oscar contender for her role in Manchester by the Sea, is in negotiations for the project, titled Janis, which is based on a book the singer's sister Laura Joplin wrote using letters Janis wrote to her family and friends before her 1970 death at 27 from heroin overdose.

Durkin's Joplin effort has been in the works for some time and is one of several previous attempts a biographical film, including another project currently in development with Amy Adams in the starring role after once having Renée Zellweger and Zooey Deschanel attached.

A rep for Williams did not immediately respond to a request for comment.