Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

HBO’s Days of Abandonment shelved after Natalie Portman steps down

The television film was set to adapt Elena Ferrante’s novel

Elizabeth Aubrey
Tuesday 03 August 2021 01:38 BST
Comments
NEW:Natalie Portman interview

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Upcoming television film The Days of Abandonment has reportedly been been shelved by HBO.

The television movie, which was based on the novel by Elena Ferrante, was set to star Oscar winner Natalie Portman in the lead role as Tess.

The novel on which it was set to be based focuses on Tess, a woman who abandons her dreams for a domestic home life. Eventually her husband leaves her, forcing her to re-think her life and choices.

Today (Monday August 2), Portman announced her decision to step down to the project, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Due to unforeseen personal reasons, Natalie Portman has stepped down from HBO Films’ Days of Abandonment prior to the start of filming”, representatives from HBO told The Hollywood Reporter.

“Unfortunately, the production will not move forward”, it continued. “We are very sorry we won’t be able to bring this beautiful story to the screen with our talented writer-director and cast. We send our sincere thanks to our cast, producers, and crew for all their passion and hard work.”

It is not yet clear what reasons Portman gave; The Independent has reached out to a representative of Portman’s for comment.

The show was first picked up by HBO in April and put into pre-production soon after. Portman was due to star and executive produce the film, with Maggie Bates adapting the script. Other cast members included Rafe Spall and Mary-Louise Parker.

Portman will star alongside Lupita Nyong’o in a new Apple limited series based on Lady in the Lake by Laura Lippman.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in