NEW YORK -- Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman will star in writer-director John Patrick Shanley's feature adaptation of his Broadway hit "Doubt."

Miramax Films will distribute the film domestically. The project is produced by Scott Rudin.

In the big-screen adaptation of Shanley's Pulitzer Prize- and Tony-winning play set in 1964, Streep will play Sister Aloysius, a nun and principal of a New York Catholic school who accuses a priest (Hoffman) of sexually abusing one of his students, leading to an escalating debate over his guilt or innocence. The role of Sister James, another leading role, has yet to be cast.

Streep takes over the part originated in 2005 by Tony winner Cherry Jones, who is starring in a touring production of the play. Hoffman's role was originated by Brian F. O'Byrne.