Natalie Portman signs on for leading role in 'Jackie'

CANNES, France, May 14 (UPI) -- Natalie Portman will play newly widowed Jacqueline Kennedy in a new biopic Jackie about the days following her husband, President John F. Kennedy's assassination.

Black Swan director Darren Aronofsky will produce the film while Oscar-nominated Pablo Larrain (No) directs, Variety reports. The film, which tells the story of Kennedy becoming a national sweetheart after losing the love of her life, will go into production at the end of the year.

Insiders, Wild Bunch's L.A.-based sales company, will be in charge of international sales for Jackie.

Portman is currently in Cannes for her directional debut at the film festival -- the Hebrew-language A Tale of Love and Darkness, set to premier Thursday, May 14.