Gillard is our Macbeth – her story is one in which all manner of plot lines converge – scheming and dreaming of power, the overthrow and murder of a King, the terrible consequences that follow - the blood that doesn't quite wash off the hands, the spectre of Banquo's ghost and the circle closing with the eventual murder of the murderer.

So when earlier this year I interviewed Rachel Griffiths for a magazine profile and asked what her dream role was, she didn't hesitate: Julia. It's a meaty part for one of our most acclaimed actors – and with a nasally accent, rusty bob and a white suit jacket, she'll look the part.

But who to play the players?

Kevin Rudd would be cast perfectly by Chris Lilley. After all, Rudd had the whole tin-ear, hair-flicking thing happening first. If you were after someone with more gravitas, maybe Russell Crowe – resurrecting the look he had in A Beautiful Mind. If not available – Josh Thomas (with ageing make-up).

Ben Mendelsohn has the sort of nobbly, angular face that might work as Bill Shorten.

Paul Howes could be played by Shane Jacobson and Tilda Swinton would be great as Quentin Bryce.

Guy Pearce with some chunky glasses would be perfect as Greg Combet, but who in Hollywood could capture the charisma of Stephen Conroy? Maybe a younger De Niro, or else Tom Cruise.

If Phillip Seymour Hoffman slimmed down and dyed his hair grey, he'd be a great Anthony Albanese.

The first bloke Tim Mathieson could be played by Eric Bana (also with ageing makeup).

Tanya Plibersek could be played by Reese Witherspoon or Jennifer Aniston – or if you want a local actress, Marta Dusseldorp – all cool blondes with good bone structure.

Penny Wong? A Facebook friend suggested could be played by KD Lang. But KD is not Asian – I hear you say. Nevermind, says my friend, "she is evocative of the essence of P Wong. The mood." Word.

And Wayne Swan ... Well, there is only one man that could do him justice: George Clooney.

Who would you cast?