Natalie Portman is headed to the United Kingdom for her next feature. Filming for the biographical drama Photograph 51 will begin in March 2026. Tom Hooper will direct, based on a story by Anna Ziegler.

Tom Hooper

The plot is based on the life of Rosalind Franklin (played by Portman), the groundbreaking British scientist whose work in X-ray crystallography produced the image that revealed DNA’s double-helix structure.

The movie will also explore how James Watson and Francis Crick were awarded the Nobel Prize for the discovery without recognition of Franklin’s contribution. Known variously as the “wronged heroine,” the “dark lady of DNA,” and the “forgotten heroine,” Franklin’s pivotal role remained in the shadows — something Photograph 51 aims to bring to light. The film will also follow her work relationships and rivalries before her untimely death at the age of 37.

Natalie Portman recently lent her voice to the animated movie The Twist. She also played museum curator Charlotte Purdue in Guy Ritchie’s action-adventure film Fountain of Youth. Her other upcoming projects include Cathy Yan’s The Gallerist (also starring Jenna Ortega) and Lena Dunham’s romantic comedy Good Sex.

Tom Hooper’s directorial credits include Cats, The Danish Girl, Les Misérables, and The King’s Speech. He has also directed episodes of His Dark Materials and John Adams.