Marion Cotillard to Portray Lady Macbeth Alongside Michael Fassbender in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'

Marion Cotillard will play Lady Macbeth in a new adaptation of Shakespeare's "Macbeth."

The French actress will replace Natalie Portman, who was originally signed on to portray the iconic role. Cotillard joins Irish-German star Michael Fassbender who will play the title character.

The film is being produced by Ian Canning and Emile Sherman of See-Saw Films and willl be directed by Justin Kurzel. Canning released a statement announcing the casting news: "Cotillard has proven extraordinary versatility through her stunning performances in 'La Vie en Rose' and 'Rust and Bone.' Casting her as Lady Macbeth alongside Michael Fassbender will bring a fresh and exciting dynamic to the story of lovers pulled apart by war and ambition."

Kurzel added, "(Cotillard) is one of the bravest and most compelling actors I have watched in recent years and I cannot wait to collaborate with both her and Michael in bringing to screen this very human and tragic love story."

"Macbeth" is one of Shakespeare's most famous plays and tells the story of a fearless warrior and inspiring leader, set amid war-torn 11^th century Scotland.

Cotillard is currently shooting Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne's drama "Two Days, One Night." She was last seen in "Rust and Bone" and "Midnight in Paris." The actress has also acted in "Public Enemies," "The Dark Knight Rises," "Nine" and "Inception." She will next be seen in "The Immigrant," and "Blood Ties."

Kurzel is best known for his work on "The Snowtown Murders" while Canning and Sherman produced "The King's Speech," and "Shame."

"Macbeth" will be developed by See-Saw and FILM4 and will undergo pre-production until the end of the year. The film will start production in January in the U.K..