Natalie Portman’s ‘Jane Got A Gun’ now without a director after Lynne Ramsay drops out

On Monday, Natalie Portman was expected to start production on Jane Got A Gun, a Western she is co-producing. However, all plans were derailed when director Lynne Ramsay just didn’t show up for work.

Deadline first broke the news today, reporting that Ramsay didn’t arrive at the set in Santa Fe. Scott Steindorff, who is co-producing the film with Portman, Jude Law, Rodrigo Santoro and Joel Edgerton, spoke to Deadline about the sudden crisis and confirmed that they are trying to hold the project together. Steindorff is financing it under his Scott Pictures.

Steindorff said he was “shocked” by Ramsay’s decision, adding, “It is insane somebody would do this to other people. I feel more for the crew and their families, but we are keeping the show going on, directors are flying in, and a replacement is imminent.”

He is keeping lawyer, Marty Singer, around to look into the legal ramifications, as Ramsay has a pay or play deal. “My focus is on making this movie, but I will protect all my rights. This comes down to an irresponsible act by one person,” he said.

Jane Got A Gun got moving last May when Portman joined. The script, which was on the 2011 Black List, was written by Brian Duffield. It focuses on a strong central female character who believes her husband’s gang is out for revenge and enlists an ex-lover to help her defend her farm.

Just last week, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Michael Fassbender dropped out, with Law stepping in to take his place. Edgerton is playing the hero.

Ramsay directed the acclaimed 2011 drama We Need To Talk About Kevin with Tilda Swinton. She did not give Deadline a comment.