How Jessica Chastain Was Cast in Sitting Bull Movie Woman Walks Ahead

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In June 2018, Jessica Chastain was all smiles while heading inside The Late Show with Stephen Colbert studio to promote the 2017 American biographical drama Western film “Woman Walks Ahead” in New York City.

Jessica Chastain arrives to promote her movie Woman Walks Ahead on The Late Show with Stephen ColbertJessica Chastain arrives to promote her movie Woman Walks Ahead on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in New York City on June 25, 2018 (Credit: LK / WENN / Patricia Schlein)

The biographical drama film tells the true story of Catherine Weldon, a headstrong New York painter who traveled to North Dakota in the 1880s in order to paint a portrait of Chief Sitting Bull. She ends up becoming embroiled in the struggle of the Lakota, a Native American people, over the rights to their land.

“We made the film for not that much money,” she told THR about making the film.

“And to be quite honest, there were three main reasons I made it: forgotten women in history, [director] Susanna White and Michael Greyeyes,” she said about her motivations for making the movie.

Jessica Chastain portrays a Swiss-American portrait painter who travels from New York to the Dakotas in the 1890s to paint a portrait of Sitting BullJessica Chastain portrays a Swiss-American portrait painter who travels from New York to the Dakotas in the 1890s to paint a portrait of Sitting Bull (Credit: A24 / DirecTV Cinema)

“He’s a great actor and an incredible thinker and man,” Chastain added about Indigenous Canadian actor Michael Greyeyes, who plays Sitting Bull.

“His parents had been taken away from their parents to be raised in Caucasian households to get the indigenous culture out of them — that was the goal. It’s devastating.”

Jessica Chastain as painter Caroline Weldon and Michael Greyeyes as Sitting Bull in the 2017 American biographical drama Western film Woman Walks AheadJessica Chastain as painter Caroline Weldon and Michael Greyeyes as Sitting Bull in the 2017 American biographical drama Western film Woman Walks Ahead (Credit: A24 / DirecTV Cinema)

“Jessica has been very outspoken publicly,” British television and film director Susanna White said about casting Jessica Chastain for the role of Caroline Weldon. “Standing up for women in the industry, supporting female directors and more strong female roles.”

The film is based on “Woman Walking Ahead: In Search of Catherine Weldon and Sitting Bull,” a book by Eileen Pollack that you can buy on Amazon.

Jessica Chastain in a green 'Gable' peplum wool-crepe jumpsuit from Roland MouretJessica Chastain in a green ‘Gable’ peplum wool-crepe jumpsuit from Roland Mouret (Credit: LK / WENN / Patricia Schlein)

The then-41-year-old actress wowed in a green ‘Gable’ peplum wool-crepe jumpsuit from Roland Mouret.

Showing how to wear a pair of standout summer-friendly booties in summer, she styled her body-hugging jumpsuit with crane-embroidered ‘Bamboot’ booties from Christian Louboutin that are inspired by the Far East’s beauty.

Jessica Chastain rocking crane embroidered 'Bamboot' booties from Christian Louboutin that are inspired by the Far East’s beautyJessica Chastain rocking crane embroidered ‘Bamboot’ booties from Christian Louboutin that are inspired by the Far East’s beauty (Credit: LK / WENN / Patricia Schlein)

Her exquisite Asian-inspired statement boots are designed with embroidered cranes, foliage, and florals and feature a covered heel with spike studs, square toe, side zipper closure, and the designer’s signature red lacquer sole.

Christian Louboutin Bamboot Embroidered Red Sole BootiesChristian Louboutin Bamboot Embroidered Red Sole Booties, $3,995

Christian Louboutin Bamboot ankle boot in intricately embroidered grosgrain with spikes at collar and 4" covered heelChristian Louboutin Bamboot ankle boot in intricately embroidered grosgrain with spikes at collar and 4″ covered heel

Crane embroidered Bamboot booties from Christian Louboutin that are inspired by the Far East’s beauty

Jewel-tone hues and draping are two key features of Roland Mouret’s sophisticated aesthetic, and Jessica Chastain’s wool-crepe jumpsuit offers a stylish showcase.

It’s crafted in the UK with a slender bodice that’s shaped with a folded, off-the-shoulder neckline and coordinating peplum, then falls into wide legs.

Green Roland Mouret Gable Peplum Wool-Crepe JumpsuitGreen Roland Mouret Gable Peplum Wool-Crepe Jumpsuit, $2,235