NATALIE PORTMAN - PORTMAN SET TO JOIN GOYA'S GHOSTS

NATALIE PORTMAN is set to go back in time for a movie about one of history's most gruesome eras - the Spanish Inquisition.

The STAR WARS star is in negotiations to join Spanish actor JAVIER BARDEM in a planned MILOS FORMAN biopic about artist FRANCISCO DE GOYA, according to movie industry trade paper The Hollywood Reporter.

The film, GOYA'S GHOSTS, will also feature Scandinavian actor STELLAN SKARSGARD, who plays Goya.

The film will focus on the last years of the Spanish Inquisition, when the Christian Church tortured and executed suspected Jews.

Portman is slated to play Goya's muse INES, who is falsely accused of heresy, while Bardem will play sinister monk BROTHER LORENZO.