Michael Fassbender and Natalie Portman To Play Ambitious Couple in WiIliam Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'

Michael Fassbender and Natalie Portman will join forces for a new adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth."

Screendaily reported that Portman is in final negotiations for Lady Macbeth while Fassbender has joined in the title role. The two actors reunite after working on Terrence Malick's untitled film. According to reports Portman was excited to work with Fassbender again after Malick's film.

Portman and Fassbender were expected to reunite for "Jane Got A Gun" but Fassbender left production due to scheduling conflicts with his new X-Men film. Production has since been postponed due to scheduling issues with Bradley Cooper.

The film will be produced by See-Saw Films, the company behind "The King's Speech" and "Shame." Justin Kurzel will direct the film as a follow up to his acclaimed Cannes 2011 selection  "Snowtown. Todd Louiso and Jacob Koskoff will write the script.

Shakespeare's play is set in 11th century Scotland and centers on Macbeth's ruthless ambition to secure the throne' there has been no information on whether this adaptation will be a modern take or will be set in the period originally intended by the Bard.

Fassbender was last seen in "Prometheus" and "Haywire." He was nominated for a Golden Globe for his turn in "Shame" and received acclaim for "A Dangerous Method" and "Jane Eyre." He will next be seen in "Frank," "Twelve Years a Slave" and "The Counselor."

Portman recently won the Oscar for her role in "Black Swan." She recently starred in "Hesher," "Your Highness" and "Thor." She will next be seen in "Thor: The Dark World," and "Knights of Cup."

"Macbeth" is slated to start filming later this year and is expected to be released in 2014.