Fox Searchlight acquires US rights to 'Jackie'

Natalie Portman's biopic 'Jackie' is the talk of the town as Fox Searchlight has acquired US rights to the movie at the ongoing Toronto International Film Festival.

'Jackie,' which is directed by Pablo Larraín, is set in the days following John F. Kennedy's assassination and sees Natalie Portman as former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy, reports the Hollywood Reporter.

Searchlight presidents Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley praised Larraín for coming up with a "daring, one-of-a-kind cinematic portrayal" of Jackie.

"Pablo Larraín's Jackie is a daring, one-of-a-kind cinematic portrayal of a beloved icon. Led by an indelible performance from Natalie Portman and supported by a richly talented ensemble of actors and artists, the film is one we are thrilled to bring to audiences later this year," they said.

Responding to the compliment, Larraín said, "[Searchlight's] movies have been an important influence on me as a filmmaker, and it is a personal achievement for me to have them bring this very special story of a beautiful, sophisticated and mysterious woman to the world."

"Jackie was the most unknown of the known women of the 20th century," he added.

Noah Oppenheim, who wrote the original script, is said to have focused on the records of Theodore H. White's interview with the deceased president's wife at Hyannis Port.

Searchlight, which has the first and last rights to negotiate on the film, will release this historical drama on December 9.