NATALIE Portman is said to have signed up to star in Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, a novel written by Seth Grahame-Smith. The novel is a mash-up combining Jane Austens 1813 novel Pride and Prejudice with elements of modern zombie fiction. Austen has been credited as co-author of Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Portman, 28, will play Elizabeth Bennet, who will be on a quest for love and independence amid the outbreak of a deadly virus. 'Natalie and I are long-time, passionate fans of Jane Austens books and this is a fresh, fun and thought-provoking way to approach her work, the Telegraph quoted Annette Savitch, who is co-producing the film with Portman, as saying. ANI The idea of zombies running rampant in 19th century England may sound odd, but it lends a modern sense of urgency to a well-known love story, she added. ANI