Natalie Portman and Jenna Ortega in talks for ‘The Gallerist’

Academy Award-winner Natalie Portman and Wednesday star Jenna Ortega are reportedly in discussions to headline the new art-world thriller The Gallerist, directed by Cathy Yan, known for Birds of Prey and Dead Pigs.

According to Deadline, the film follows a gallerist involved in a high-stakes scheme centered around a deceased artist at Art Basel in Miami. Yan, who co-wrote the film with James Pedersen, is set to direct, while Portman and her producing partner Sophie Mas will produce under their MountainA production banner, joined by Jonathan King, Ash Sarohia, Tom McCarthy, Rae Baron, Sophie Mas, and Zola Elgart Glassman​.

If finalized, The Gallerist would unite Portman, recently acclaimed for her role in May December, with Ortega, fresh off the success of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which recently surpassed $400 million at the global box office. The pairing of Portman, a seasoned actor-producer, with Ortega, described as one of Hollywood’s “biggest rising stars,” is anticipated to draw significant interest to the film, which could become a major upcoming project for all involved.

The project, which would mark Yan’s next directorial feature, brings together a notable team of producers and talent, with Birds of Prey director Yan bringing her distinct storytelling style to the new film. Portman, Ortega, and Yan are all represented by CAA, while co-writer Pedersen and co-producer McCarthy are represented by Gersh