Natalie Portman to star as Jacqueline Kennedy in new drama
By Variety
Natalie Portman will star as Jackie Kennedy in "Jackie," about the first four days in Kennedy's life after the assassination of her husband, President John. F. Kennedy, when she lost the love of her life, but won the love of a nation. Darren Aronofsky will produce, while Pablo Larrain ("No") directs.
SEE MORE: Cannes Film Festival
Wild Bunch's newly launched L.A.-based sales company Insiders is selling international on what is sure to be one of the hottest tickets at this year's Cannes. CAA reps U.S. domestic rights.
Juan de Dios Larrain of Chile's Fabula produces with Aronofsky and his partner Scott Franklin at Protozoa Pictures. "Jackie" goes into production at the end of 2015.
"'Jackie' talks about the days when Jackie Kennedy becomes an icon but has lost everything," said Wild Bunch's Vincent Maraval, who is overseeing Insiders.
Aronofsky, who was president of the Berlin festival jury this year, was highly impressed with Larrain's Berlinale competition entry "The Club," which went on to win the fest's grand jury prize. Portman caught "The Club" in Paris and loved it.
"It's the 'Black Swan' team reunited for Pablo Larrain," Maraval said.
Larrain will direct "Jackie" right after completing the Funny Balloons-sold "Neruda," which rolls in June.
Insiders will rep movies budgeted at $15 million and above. "The bottom line is that the films will still reflect our taste. Insiders will still bring European soft money to reduce risk," he added, saying that Insiders' Hollywood base is because "most equity people we have talked to are based out of L.A."
"Jackie" joins a fast emerging Insiders first market slate that includes Jeff Nichols' 1960s-set mixed race couple drama "Loving"; Sean Penn's "Flag Day," starring Dylan Penn; and "Sicario" screenwriter Taylor Sheridan's mystery thriller "Wind River," with Chris Pine and Elizabeth Olsen.
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