Morning

JC has some more big Nat news. Variety and the Hollywood Reporter are reporting that Nat is in talks to…well let me just paste the article.

Natalie Portman is in negotiations to star in “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” for Mandate Pictures. The film will mark the directorial debut of Zach Helm, who will direct from his own script. Helm recently wrote “Stranger Than Fiction” for Mandate, which goes into production Monday.

Richard Gladstein is the producer through his Film Colony shingle, along with James Garavente. Mandate’s head of production Nathan Kahane and Mandate’s creative executive Jim Miller are overseeing development of the film. Mandate is fully financing “Emporium” and handling worldwide sales for the film.

Set in a strange and magical toy store, “Emporium” is a story about growing up and believing in the unbelievable.

“We are thrilled to be back in business with Zach Helm on another truly original and life-affirming story and grateful that he has entrusted us again to help bring his magic to the screen,” Kahane said. “It is a testament to Zach’s voice that we are in negotiations with Natalie.”

“Zach is a unique and talented writer, and I’m thrilled to be working with him on what I imagine will be the first of many films he’ll be directing,” Gladstein said. “Natalie’s response to the script has been brilliant, and she is the ideal actor around whom to build a wonderful ensemble.”

Portman most recently was seen in Mike Nichols’ “Closer,” for which she received an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress after winning a Golden Globe in the same category. Portman has starred as the female lead, Queen Amidala, in George Lucas’ blockbuster “Star Wars” prequels and next can be seen reprising her role in “Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith.” Portman’s credits include Zach Braff’s “Garden State.” She is currently shooting “V for Vendetta” and will shoot “Emporium” after completing “Goya’s Ghosts.”

Sony Pictures recently acquired Helm’s “Stranger Than Fiction” from Mandate and will release it next year. Helm also is writing “The Disassociate,” which is being developed for producer Lindsay Doran. Helm is the author of the plays “Last Chance for a Slow Dance” and “Good Canary.” Helm and Portman are repped by CAA, and Portman is managed by the Firm.

Hmmm…dunno what to think about that. Note that it seems she’s definitely on board for Goya’s Ghosts.

Empiremovies has a bit more info on the plot…

In the movie (described as a cross between Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Big), Portman will play the depressed manager of a toy store that seems to come alive when infused by the spirit of its eccentric owner. When his health begins to fail, he wants to turn the store over to her, but her depression proves to be a bit of a problem.

This project has been around for a while. Back in 1999, Drew Barrymore was attached to play the lead role.

That’s it for now. It’s my birthday so if you all pool together you can buy me a ferrari.