Eric Bana and Natalie Portman to Star in The Other Boleyn Girl

Posted on June 23, 2006

Variety reports that Eric Bana and Natalie Portman are set to star in the film adapatation of Philippa Gregory's novel, The Other Boleyn Girl. The historical novel details the rivalry between Anne Boleyn and her sister Mary for the affections of King Henry VIII.

Focus Features is in discussions to take international rights on the pic. Sony will distribute domestically. Shooting is skedded to begin this fall in London. Ruby Films' Alison Owen and BBC Films' David Thompson are producing. Scott Rudin exec produces.

The film was originally developed by the U.K.-based Owen and BBC Films, which optioned the book and made a telefilm based on it. Rudin, who worked with the BBC on "Iris," became involved last summer, ultimately bringing the pic to Sony. Portman recently wrapped Mandate Pictures' Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. She also has a role in Wong Kar Wai's indie My Blueberry Nights, filming this summer.

Bana will next star in Warner Bros.' Lucky You. Chadwick directed Bleak House, the series based on Dickens' novel. The Other Boleyn Girl is his first feature.

Tudor King Henry VIII has never looked hotter. This is one rivalry that Mary Boleyn was actually lucky to lose, since her sister ended up being beheaded by her increasingly unhinged husband.

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