Natalie Portman and Michael Fassbender to Star in 'Macbeth' Film

The project is being developed by Film4, the standalone movie unit of broadcaster Channel 4, and will be produced by See-Saw Films.

LONDON -- Natalie Portman and Michael Fassbender are attached to star in a big-screen adaptation of Macbeth being developed with backing from Film4, the standalone movie unit of Channel 4.

The movie version of Shakespeare's Scottish play is set to be directed by Justin Kurzel (Snowtown) and produced by U.K. and Australian banner See-Saw Films, the outfit behind The King's Speech and Shame.

Adapted for the screen by actor-director Todd Louiso and Jacob Koskoff, the script is billed as an updated version of Shakespeare's tale of revenge and ambition, complete with the blood and thunder of the original tragedy.

Fassbender's recent credits include Hunger, Shame and the upcoming comedy drama Frank, in which he stars alongside Domhnall Gleeson and Maggie Gyllenhaal.

Portman's résumé boasts a recent turn in Thor: The Dark World, and she is now filming Jane Got a Gun. Fassbender was on board before he was replaced by Jude Law after director Lynne Ramsay walked out.

James McAvoy recently trod the boards in London's West End as the eponymous Scottish character.