Actor Natalie Portman has left HBO Films' The Days of Abandonment due to 'unforeseen personal reasons'. The film, which was announced in April this year, was based on Italian author Elena Ferrante's 2005 bestseller of the same title. The film was planned to begin filming soon in Sydney, Australia.

    In a statement, issued to Hollywood Reporter, the HBO network said they have decided to not proceed with the TV movie. "Due to unforeseen personal reasons, Natalie Portman has stepped down from HBO Films' Days of Abandonment prior to the start of filming. Unfortunately, the production will not move forward." 

Days of Abandonment, which was in pre-production earlier this year, was set to be written and directed by Maggie Betts. The cast also featured actors Rafi Spall and Mary-Louise Parker.