In recent years, Natalie Portman has become incredibly picky when it comes to the roles she chooses. That is to say, we’re out of her “Your Highness” and “No Strings Attached” phase of her career. So, you can understand that film fans get excited when they learn that Portman has signed on for a film. Unfortunately, in the case of one of her upcoming features, “Days of Abandonment,” it appears the project is no longer happening. Well, there’s always “Thor: Love and Thunder,” I suppose.
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According to Deadline, HBO Films has pulled the plug on the upcoming film, “Days of Abandonment.” Announced earlier this year, the film was expected to star Portman in the lead role. However, it appears HBO Films isn’t moving forward with the production after Portman walked away from the film.
“Due to unforeseen personal reasons, Natalie Portman has stepped down from HBO Films’ ‘Days of Abandonment’ prior to the start of filming,” HBO said. “Unfortunately, the production will not move forward. We are very sorry we won’t be able to bring this beautiful story to the screen with our talented writer/director and cast. We send our sincere thanks to our cast, producers, and crew for all their passion and hard work.”
Obviously, “unforeseen personal reasons” doesn’t really give us any specific idea why she might have departed the feature. In the past, we’ve seen similar reasons be named for creative differences or scheduling conflicts or, yes, honest personal reasons. Needless to say, we’re not likely to get a full, detailed explanation, but it’s apparent that without Portman onboard, HBO Films isn’t confident with moving forward with the film.
“Days of Abandonment” had all the makings of something special. Not only was Portman involved, and she really only signs up for projects that are likely to earn acclaim, but the film was set to be written and directed by Maggie Betts, who is coming off her acclaimed debut feature, “Novitiate.” In addition, “Days of Abandonment” was an adaptation of the best-selling novel by Elena Ferrante.
Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. RIP “Days of Abandonment.” Now, let’s see if Portman signs on for another project that can get us excited.