Imelda Staunton has signed up to join Hilary Swank in upcoming drama Freedom Writers.

Inspired by a true story, the movie focuses on a teacher (Swank) having trouble teaching English to a group of teenagers. Staunton will play one of Swank's colleagues.

Directed by Richard LaGravenese, writer of The Horse Whisperer and The Bridges of Madison County, the film will begin shooting in Los Angeles next month.

Staunton, who picked up a batch of awards and nominations for her role in Vera Drake, recently put her name to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in which she will play Professor Dolores Umbridge.