Evan Rachel Wood, Guy Pearce join 'Mildred'

Evan Rachel Wood and Guy Pearce have been tapped to co-star opposite Kate Winslet in "Mildred Pierce," Todd Haynes' five-hour miniseries for HBO.

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Melissa Leo, James LeGros and Brian F. O'Byrne also have been cast in the project, which HBO is co-producing with MGM, Killer Films and John Wells Prods.

Haynes is directing the adaptation of James M. Cain's classic noir novel, which centers on Mildred Pierce Beragon (Winslet), a wife who separates from her unemployed husband, Bert (O'Byrne), and takes a job as a waitress while struggling to earn her daughter Veda's (Wood) love during the Great Depression in middle-class Los Angeles.

Pearce will play Mildred's lover, a wealthy playboy. "Ally McBeal" alum LeGros will play Bert's former business partner. Leo, Oscar nominated for "Frozen River," will play Mildred's good friend.

Also cast in the mini is 10-year-old Morgan Turner, who will play Veda as a child.

Haynes and Jon Raymond co-wrote the script for "Mildred," which is being executive produced by Haynes, Pamela Koffler, Christine Vachon and John Wells. Ilene Landress serves as co-exec producer.

Production is slated to begin in April in New York.