Rafe Spall to star opposite Natalie Portman in 'The Days of Abandonment'

Actor Rafe Spall has joined the cast of the HBO movie '

The Days of Abandonment

'. An adaptation of Italian author

Elena Ferrante

's 2005 best-selling novel of the same name, the feature film follows Tess, played by Natalie Portman, whose world is upended when her husband abandons her.

According to the reports, Spall will play the husband, Oliver. Married to Tess for 15 years, he's a doting father to their young children and a beloved college professor. Charming and attractive,

Oliver

is an ideal husband.

'Novitiate' director Maggie Betts is adapting the novel and will helm the film.

Betts is also attached to executive produce the project with Portman, Ferrante, Sophie Mas, Celine Rattray, Trudie Styler,

Len Amato

, Domenico Procacci, and Maria Zuckerman.

HBO Films is producing 'The Days of Abandonment' in association with Medusa Productions.