Scarlett Johansson will join Natalie Portman and Eric Bana in The Other Boleyn Girl for helmer Justin Chadwick. Pic, based on Phillippa Gregory’s historical novel, is being produced by Scott Rudin Prods., Ruby Films and BBC Films.

Story centers on two ferociously ambitious sisters, Mary and Anne Boleyn, who were rivals for the bed and heart of King Henry VIII. Portman and Johansson will star as the sisters, with Bana playing the King. Peter Morgan penned the adaptation. Sony is distributing domestically, with Focus Features handling international distribution. Shooting starts this fall in London.

Johansson next stars in Woody Allen’s Scoop, out July 28, followed by The Black Dahlia on Sept. 15 and The Prestige Oct. 27. She just wrapped The Nanny Diaries.

Source: Variety

Sony is lining up Natalie Portman and Eric Bana to topline The Other Boleyn Girl, based on Philippa Gregory’s historical novel. Justin Chadwick is directing the pic, which Scott Rudin Prods., Ruby Films and BBC Films are producing.

Peter Morgan wrote the adaptation of the book, which tells the story of two ferociously ambitious sisters, Mary and Anne Boleyn, who were rivals for the bed and heart of the Tudor King Henry VIII.

Focus Features is in discussions to take international rights on the pic. Sony will distrib 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.

Source: Variety