'Portlandia's' Carrie Brownstein Joins Cate Blanchett in 'Carol' (Exclusive)

Todd Haynes is directing the drama, which also stars Rooney Mara and is based on Patricia Highsmith's book "The Price of Salt."

Portlandia star and co-creator Carrie Brownstein will make her film debut with Carol, the lesbian drama starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.

The film, an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's book The Price of Salt, follows Therese (Mara), a department store clerk in 1950s New York who becomes obsessed with another woman (Blanchett) she spots in the store. The film, which is currently shooting, also stars Kyle Chandler and Sarah Paulson.

EXCLUSIVE: 'The Office' Actor Joins Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara in 'Carol'

Brownstein will play Genevieve Cantrell, a woman who has an encounter with Therese.

I'm Not There helmer Todd Haynes is directing the suspense drama from a script by Phyllis Nagy. Elizabeth Karlsen and Stephen Woolley are producing via their Number 9 Films along with Christine Vachon’s Killer Films.

Brownstein, who is also a musician, is the co-creator, co-writer and co-star of IFC’s comedy Portlandia, which also stars Fred Armisen. The show is currently in its fourth season and has already been picked up for a fifth season. She's repped by Brillstein Entertainment Partners and Morris Yorn.

Email: Rebecca.Ford@THR.com

Twitter: @Beccamford