Laura Dern is attached to star in a new limited series about the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

The actress, 59, will portray journalist Julie K. Brown in the scripted series based on Brown's book Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story, with the project now being shopped by Sony Pictures Television.

It centres on Brown's reporting for the Miami Herald, which renewed scrutiny on Epstein's crimes and legal treatment.

The series is described as charting Brown's years-long investigation, during which she identified 80 victims, persuaded survivors to go on the record and exposed a secret plea deal between Epstein and federal prosecutors, ultimately leading to the arrests of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

The adaptation is being written by Sharon Hoffman, who will also serve as executive producer and co-showrunner alongside Eileen Myers.

Laura will executive produce in addition to starring, with Adam McKay and Kevin Messick producing through Hyperobject Industries.

Brown will also serve as an executive producer on the project.

In its official description, the series is described as "an explosive account of an investigative reporter exposing the secret plea deal between Epstein and federal prosecutors".

It adds: "Drawing from Brown's experience as a groundbreaking reporter for the Miami Herald, the book and the limited series follow her relentless years-long investigation that identified 80 victims, persuaded key survivors to go on the record, and led to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's arrests."

The project is expected to be the first scripted series focused on the Epstein case, which has previously been explored through documentaries and documentary series.

Epstein operated a high-profile sex trafficking ring for years, involving influential figures and prompting widespread media coverage and legal action.

Adam McKay's production company has increasingly focused on projects addressing topical subject matter.

He first gained recognition directing comedies such as Anchorman and Talladega Nights, before moving into films including The Big Short and Don't Look Up, as well as producing television series such as Succession.

Laura has established a long career across film and television, receiving nine Emmy Award nominations and winning in 2017 for her supporting role in Big Little Lies.

She has also received three Academy Award nominations, winning best supporting actress for Marriage Story.

Her additional credits include the Jurassic Park franchise, Little Women and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.