Twitch has reported that Natalie Portman is in early talks to join Ridley Scott’s The Counselor. She’s reportedly in discussions to play the part of Laura, the fiancee of the character that Michael Fassbender will be playing.
In more casting news, it’s being reported that Brad Pitt is no longer likely to be cast as Reiner. Javier Bardem is now Scott’s first choice for the part, though Jeremy Renner is still in discussions too.
Having read the script, written by Cormac McCarthy, I think Renner is far better choice for the role of Reiner, and I’d actually prefer Bardem for the part of Westray.
As for the role of Laura, the part is surprisingly small in the draft of the script I read. Though my first chose would be Jessica Chastain, Portman would definitely be a close second.
The film begins production of May 1st and Portman may be shooting Thor 2 then. Although it’s been rumored that she’s not happy with the direction that the film is taking so it wouldn’t surprise me if she left Thor 2 for The Counselor. As for Bardem and Renner, their schedules both seem to be free as of now.
The Counselor stars Michael Fassbender and is likely to be released in 2013.