Natalie Portman Replaces Rooney Mara In Musical ‘Vox Lux’

We’ve been so excited for “Vox Lux,” that after it was announced in 2016, it immediately leaped to our 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2017. As you probably guessed, the movie didn’t arrive, and in fact hasn’t even gone in front of cameras. However, it’s about to start rolling, but not without a major casting switcheroo.

Natalie Portman will be replacing Rooney Mara in Brady Corbet‘s film. Jude Law remains the co-star in the picture (it will be a reunion for the “Closer” pair) that will follow Celeste, who becomes one of the world’s pop superstars after surviving a life-changing event, tracking her 15-year journey of success and travails that embodies and reflects upon key contemporary events, from 1999 to the present day. Yep, “Vox Lux” is ambitious stuff. The musical will feature all new songs by Sia, however, the latest trade report from Variety doesn’t mention if there will still be a score by “Jackie” and “Under The Skin” composer Mica Levi, or if Stacy Martin (“Nymphomaniac“) is still involved in a supporting role. No word yet on why Rooney exited the picture, but presumably it was due to scheduling.

Corbet had planned to shoot the film in 65mm, and we certainly hope that’s still the case. Production begins on February 1st and while it would be great to have the movie on screens by the end of the year, we’ll be happy to patiently wait until 2019 if need be. As for Portman, once she’s done “Vox Lux,” she’ll likely jump over to the astronaut drama “Pale Blue Dot,” where she recently subbed in for Reese Witherspoon, who will be busy shooting “Big Little Lies” season two.