Natalie Portman offered 'Gravity' lead

Natalie Portman has been offered the lead role in Alfonso Cuaron's science fiction survival story Gravity, says The Hollywood Reporter.

The part - that of a female astronaut stranded in space after her crew is killed by debris - is one of the most sought after in Hollywood after Angelina Jolie dropped out of the running to star.

Actresses including Rachel Weisz, Sandra Bullock, Carey Mulligan, Scarlett Johansson and Blake Lively were all linked to the picture last week.

Warner Bros gave Cuaron the green light to offer Portman the lead role following the rave festival reviews for her performance in Black Swan. The actress will read the script - by Children Of Men helmer Cuaron and his son Jonas - this week before making a decision.

Robert Downey Jr will also star in the movie, which is scheduled to begin shooting at the end of January.