A few months ago Natalie Portman signed up to star in a new film version of Shakepeare’s Macbeth, but now she’s dropped out and Variety reports that they’re replaced one Best Actress Oscar winner with another, as Marion Cotillard has taken over the role.
Michael Fassbender is still attached to the title role, in a film that retains the 11th Century setting of the play. It follows a cunning Scottish Lord who plot to steal the throne, with the help of his wife and a trio of witches. The screenplay is said to take a visceral approach to the battle scenes, while keeping most of the original dialogue intact. The script was written by Todd Louiso and Jacob Koskoff (The Marc Pease Experience), although it will retain Shakespeare’s actual words.
“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.
Director Justin Kurzel (Snowtown) added, “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.”
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