Do we really need another movie adaptation of Romeo and Juliet?
It looks like another movie version of The Bard's most famous play is in the making. It's been confirmed that Paul Giamatti has joined the cast to play confidante to the doomed couple, Friar Lawrence. Douglas Booth will be stepping into the shoes of lovestruck Romeo while the hugely talented Hailee Steinfeld will play his Juliet.
Douglas Booth and Hailee Steinfield look their parts
While I don't think that modern adaptations of Shakespeare's plays performed in Shakespearean verse really work (O, Hamlet etc) Baz Luhrman's Romeo + Juliet was an absolute feast for all the senses. And while it wasn't in Shakespearean verse 10 Things I Hate About You based on Taming of The Shrew was also really fun!
Up next in Shakespearean verse is Ralph Fiennes'* directorial debut, the epic Coriolanus.
(* born Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes - what!?)
Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting in Franco Zeffirelli's 'Romeo and Juliet'
Downton Abbey's Julian Fellowes will be writing the script and the film will be shot on location in Mantua, Italy. All things considered, this version looks like it actually might be quite good!
What's your favourite Shakespearean film adaptation?
