Hollywood heavyweight George Clooney announced on Thursday that he would be directing a film about the British phone hacking scandal that plagued Rupert Murdoch’s media empire.

The film, based on journalist Nick Davies’ bestselling book Hack Attack, is set to start filming next year.

Clooney will direct and co-produce the film with Grant Heslov under the Sony banner.

“This has all the elements, lying, corruption, blackmail, at the highest levels of government by the biggest newspaper in London,” Clooney said in a statement.

“Nick is a brave and stubborn reporter and we consider it an honour to put his book to film.”

Clooney is a champion of the free press, but also doesn’t suffer any fools when it comes to breaches of privacy, so this is the perfect project for him.

The big question is who will play the key players in the trial that lead to the closure of Murdoch’s top British newspaper News of the World in 2011.

The New Daily has selected the top casting picks, tell us your suggestions in the comments section below.

Rupert Murdoch: Geoffrey Rush

 Why? Rush has the acting chops to portray one of the world’s most-contentious men and is at least in the right ballpark age-wise. Rush can be bumbling, pensive and powerful all at once, which is exactly what this role needs.

Understudy: Michael Caine

Rebekah Brooks: Tilda Swinton

Why? Hear us out. Swinton is a chameleon and, with the right wig, could capture the strength, mystery and sex appeal of Brooks with ease. Plus, she’s a Clooney favourite and the pair make a dynamic duo. This could be her Oscar role. Plus, Brooks needs to be a Brit.

Understudy: Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore or Amy Adams

Tony Blair: Steve Coogan

Why? Although best known for his comedic roles, playing Blair would complete Coogan’s transition to the world of serious acting after a star turn in Philomena. Plus, he’s British, which has to count for something.

Understudy: Ralph Fiennes

Glenn Mulcaire: Gerard Butler

Why? Both look spiffy in a suit and Butler also has the required athletic look (Mulcaire was a former non-league footballer). Butler might have to ditch the Scottish accent, though, to play the private eye and chief hacker.

Understudy: Ricky Gervais

Andy Coulson: Jude Law

Why? Law was involved in the actual trial and gave evidence after his personal details and phone messages were found at the home of Glenn Mulcaire. This could be Law’s ultimate up-yours to the Murdoch empire, allowing him to take back control.

Understudy: Michael Sheen

Sally and Bob Dowler: Jacki Weaver and Sean Taylor

Why? Weaver and Taylor (her real-life husband) are well-respected in the acting industry and both have the emotional range to play the bereaved parents of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler.

Understudies: Annette Bening and Anthony Hopkins

James Murdoch: Jason Sudeikis

Why? Aside from the obvious physical similarities, Sudeikis plays smarmy characters well. Thanks to his comedic background, he is also the perfect person to capture all of the younger Murdoch’s quirks.

Understudy: James McAvoy

Mark Lewis: Ewan McGregor

Why? Ewan McGregor is easy to love. Thus, he’d be perfect to play the star lawyer who secured massive payouts for the victims of the hacking scandal. Lewis also had a penchant for statement coats and McGregor can rock a piece of outerwear.

Understudy: Dan Stevens

Alan Rusbridger: David Tennant

Why? The Doctor Who star has the quirky looks of The Guardian editor and proved he is worthy of serious roles in 2013 when he starred in BBC murder-mystery series Broadchurch.

Understudy: Sean Bean

Nick Davies: Hugh Laurie

Why? Smart, self-assured and British, Laurie could use this part as his brilliant comeback to the big screen.

Understudy: George Clooney. He’ll be on the set anyway, and his respect for Davis will translate well to the screen.

Who are your casting picks? Let us know below.