Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher are to star in a new romantic comedy.

The movie, tentatively titled 'Friends With Benefits', will be shot in May by Ivan Reitman, who has recently been rumoured to have been replaced as the director on 'Ghostbusters III'.

The veteran director will also produce the movie alongside Jeffrey Clifford and Joe Medjuck.

Details of the film's storyline are yet to be revealed, but it is believed it will tell the tale of a couple who jump into bed quickly but find emotional intimacy difficult.

Reitman told Daily Variety: "It's an issue ripe for discussion."

The script has been written by Elizabeth Meriwether.

It will be the second romantic comedy in a short space of time for Ashton, who recently starred in ensemble movie 'Valentine's Day' alongside Bradley Cooper, Jessica Alba and Jessica Biel.

Oscar-nominated Natalie has a number of big projects coming up, including playing the role of Elizabeth Bennet in 'Pride And Prejudice and Zombies' and Jane Foster in action fantasy 'Thor'.