Natalie Portman to play Lady Macbeth opposite Michael Fassbender in new film adaptation

Natalie Portman will play Lady Macbeth alongside Michael Fassbender in a new film adaptation of Shakespeare's play.

Screen Daily reports that Portman has long wanted to play the part, having previously considered appearing in stage versions of Macbeth.

The role is not far from her Oscar-winning performance in Black Swan, in which she played self-destructive and controlling ballet dancer Nina Sayers.

Portman is said to look forward to working with Fassbender again after the two recently finished filming Terrence Malick’s latest, yet-to-be-titled, film about the Texas music scene.

The new version of Macbeth will be directed by Snowtown’s Justin Kurzel, and produced by The King’s Speech and Shame producers See Saw.

Kurzel’s adaptation of Macbeth will be set in the 11th century in Shakespeare’s original language. The script is understood to be “a visceral approach to the story including significant battle scenes”.

The adaptation is among a number of high-profile takes on the tragedy, including Roman Polanski’s 1971 version and Orson Welles’ in 1948. The play has recently been staged in London’s West End starring James McAvoy, who was nominated for an Olivier Award for his performance.