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Natalie Portman stars in the Heights

The 'Star Wars' beauty is set to play Catherine Earnshaw in the movie adaptation of Emily Bronte's 1847 novel after convincing director John Maybury she was perfect for the role.

Maybury had initially wanted a British actress to play Cathy - whose ill-fated relationship with Heathcliff is the basis for the story set on the Yorkshire moors - but decided Portman could carry off the part.

The film's producer Robert Bernstein said: "Natalie is an extraordinary actress and is right for the role."

It was recently revealed Lindsay Lohan and Keira Knightley were also in the running for the part.

Maybury said at the time: "I certainly wouldn't count Keira out but it's whether or not she wants to get back into period costume, because she's been in a few period dramas.

"I don't count Lindsay Lohan out either. I really believe in the girl and she's coming out from the other side of her well-documented problems - she just needs to be treated seriously."

Colin Farrell is one of the favourites to take on the role of Heathcliff.

The most recent big-screen adaptation of Emily Br?nte's classic matched Ralph Fiennes with Juliette Binoche in 1989. It grossed only $624,643.

The definitive film version remains William Wyler's 1939 release starring Laurence Olivier and Merle Oberon, which got eight Oscar nominations, including best picture.

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