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Rex Features
The actress actively lobbied for the role of heroine Catherine Earnshaw in the adaptation of Emily Bronte's 1847 novel after director John Maybury originally said he wanted to cast an English star.
He and producers Ecosse Films and HanWay gave Portman the part and agreed to her request for casting approval for central character Heathcliff, currently tipped for Michael Fassbender (Hex).
An insider told the Daily Mail: "It's fair to say we were seduced by her and we should have been on our guard."
The film is scheduled to begin shooting in autumn.
Movie Reviews
'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close' reviewTom Hanks features in a long and winding journey through New York after 9/11
At the Movies
David Lynch: 10 reasons to worship himIt's time to celebrate director David Lynch as the BFI screens a season of his films.
Movies Interviews
Max von Sydow 'Extremely Loud' interviewActing legend Max von Sydow on Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, The Exorcist and Flash Gordon.
Box Office Charts
'The Woman in Black' wins UK box officeThe Woman in Black beats The Muppets and Star Wars at the the UK box office.
