Liz & Dick producer Larry Thompson isn't stressing about his latest leading lady.
This week, Lindsay Lohan signed on to star in Lifetime's new film about Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton's tumultuous, ten-year relationship.
In an interview with E! News, Thompson says he's confident the troubled 25-year-old is more than capable of stepping up to the plate to play the icon.
"[Lindsay] has a noble purpose," Thompson told E! "It's not like she's going to do a little job–the responsibility of playing Elizabeth Taylor is large."
Also adding to his confidence?
"Lindsay Lohan may be the most insured actress that ever walked on a soundstage," Thompson explained.
Certain celebs–a la Lohan, whose last major film role was in 2009's Labor Pains–are considered risky investments from a business standpoint; film financiers require extra assurance if a project rides on the shoulders of a star who's been in and out of rehab, or in trouble with the law.
Thompson may feel good about his casting choice, but not everyone shares his opinion.
During a Today show appearance Tuesday morning, Rosie O'Donnell slammed Lifetime's pick.
"The last thing [Lindsay Lohan] did good, she was 16," O'Donnell ranted. "I don't think she's right [to play Elizabeth Taylor] and I don't think she's capable at this point of doing what's needed."
That evening, Lohan responded to the talk show host's cutting comments.
"It's funny that someone you don't know at all can say something so intrusive and so knowing," the actress told Access Hollywood. "She should base her opinions when she meets someone."
