It would seem the stars did not align for Michael Fassbender and Natalie Portman, who were to have appeared as Macbeth and his equally scheming wife in the new adaptation of Shakespeare’s Scottish Play. While Fassbender is still aboard, he has a new partner in homicidal crime, with Marion Cotillard replacing Portman.
Adapted this time for the screen by Todd Louiso and Jacob Koskoff, the latest outing for the stab-happy Scot will be set, as originally written, in the 11th century and will boast proper Shakespearian dialogue. The action will be a little more visceral than is possible on stage, however, with big battle scenes planned. With pre-production set to kick off shortly, director Justin Kurzel is aiming to shoot this January in Blighty.
“Cotillard has proven extraordinary versatility through her stunning performances in La Vie En Rose and Rust And Bone. Casting her as Lady Macbeth alongside Michael Fassbender will bring a fresh and exciting dynamic to the story of lovers pulled apart by war and ambition,” said producer Iain Canning, with Kurzel adding, “She is one of the bravest and most compelling actors I have watched in recent years and I cannot wait to collaborate with both her and Michael in bringing to screen this very human and tragic love story.”
Cotillard also has Two Days, One Night on the way from the Dardennes Brothers, and is providing a voice in the film adaptation of The Little Prince. Portman has Jane Got A Gun, Knight Of Cups and a Terrence Malick film on the way.