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Natalie Portman is stepping into new territory in the upcoming Apple TV+ film Fountain of Youth—playing a sister. At the Los Angeles premiere on May 19, she opened up to PEOPLE about what made this project so special, especially her dynamic with co-star John Krasinski.
“It was amazing to work with John,” Portman said. “He’s hilarious, incredibly kind, and just a great actor. Playing siblings with him was really fun.” What made it even more meaningful for her is the fact that she’s an only child. “I’ve always wondered what it’d be like to have a sibling,” she added. “John has only brothers, so both of us brought that curiosity and imagination to our roles.”
Portman plays Charlotte Purdue, while Krasinski takes on the role of her estranged brother, Luke—a daring treasure hunter. Their characters reunite for an epic adventure to locate the legendary Fountain of Youth, a quest funded by a mysterious billionaire (played by Domhnall Gleeson) who may not be entirely trustworthy.
John Krasinski, The Office star and PEOPLE’s 2024 Sexiest Man Alive, said he loved exploring the brother-sister bond in the film, especially because Charlotte and Luke are so different. Director Guy Ritchie, known for his witty, fast-paced style, leaned into the sibling banter, saying that kind of back-and-forth “is the best form of arguing.”
For Portman, the whole experience felt like a blend of excitement and connection. She talked about how close the cast and crew became while filming around the world—from the pyramids of Egypt to the streets of Vienna. “It was magical,” she said. “Getting to travel to such amazing places with such a fun team brought us all closer.”
The film also stars Eiza González, Stanley Tucci, Laz Alonso, and Arian Moayed, adding to the star power behind this globe-trotting mystery. Fountain of Youth premieres on Apple TV+ on Friday, May 23.