With production set to begin almost exactly two months from now in Colorado, Quentin Tarantino is putting the finishing touches on his cast for his Western The Hateful Eight.  It now appears that Tarantino has settled on his female lead, and it will be none other than Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Synecdoche, New York actress Jennifer Jason Leigh.  The story follows a group of passengers on a stagecoach that get caught and trapped in a blizzard in Wyoming, where they’re forced to confront the ratcheting tension that develops.  The Wrap reports that Leigh will be playing the character of Daisy Domergue, a woman wanted for murder who is due to hang for her crimes.  The role was played by Amber Tamblyn during Tarantino's live-read of the script.  More after the jump.

Leigh marks an unexpected and welcome addition to the Hateful Eight ensemble.  The actress has been doing excellent work for years, most recently appearing in a recurring role on Weeds and playing the mother of Miles Teller’s character in The Spectacular Now.  The part of Daisy was apparently highly coveted, with The Wrap noting that Michelle Williams, Hilary Swank, Robin Wright, and Demi Moore were among those that were chasing the role.  We previously reported that Jennifer Lawrence was in talks to join the cast of the film, but The Wrap’s report makes no mention of the actress.  It’s possible that she’s still up for another role, or that a deal simply failed to materialize.

Filming on The Hateful Eight will take place entirely in Colorado starting December 8th, and in addition to the previously confirmed cast of Kurt Russell, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern, Walton Goggins, and Samuel L. Jackson, The Wrap adds that Denis Minochet, James Remar, James Parks, Dana Gourrier, and Zoe Bell are expected to fill out the ensemble.  The pic will open in theaters later next year.