Natalie Portman and Leonardo DiCaprio were supposed to star in Romeo and Juliet, but for this reason the actress decided to leave the film.

Romeo and JulietJob William ShakespeareIt is one of the greatest literary classics, as well as one of the most tragic and revered love stories for the average viewer. It was adapted to the overall picture several times, but the director was responsible for its most original look (and modern at the time of release). Baz Luhrmann (Moulin rouge, The Great Gatsby, Australia, Elvis).

Romeo+Juliet (1997), starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire DanesThis is a cult film that turns the British writer and playwright’s classic into the story of two modern-day lovers condemned to death through comedy and romance.

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Version kitsch and Luhrmann’s desire to become the protagonist at the first moment, Natalie Portmanbut there was an element that made her shy away from the Australian director’s interpretation of Juliet.

“It was kind of a mutual decision, which in this case was wrong, and I think the movie ended preciously and Claire Danes did a precious job. It wasn’t the right time, ¿sabes?” Portman said in one of numerous interviews in which he explained why he ultimately abandoned the project. The reason is related to the difference between the reality that existed at that time between DiCaprio and the actor

(Also, the actor never forbade her from riding models under 25 years old).

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“Fox said it looked like Leonardo DiCaprio was abusing me when we were together.”Portman said in a 1996 magazine interview. New York Times. For that matter, Portman was 13 years old, and the difference between both actors was irreparable on screen for the producer. “It was a difficult situation and I had to deal with a guy who, for example, I was 13 years old and Leonardo was 21, and it was not suitable for either the producer or the director Baz,” he commented in another interview with Buzzfeed

.

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Although the age difference was not a problem for DiCaprio in everything that related to his sentimental life (after all, everyone knows the cult song), as it was for Portman and for the creators of the film adaptation Romeo and Juliet.