Jessica Chastain and Al Pacino will join forces to bring to life the next adaptation based on a work by William Shakespeare about King Lear, which has now become one of the most anticipated titles of the year.
The film will be produced by Barry Navidi, who, according to Deadline, will be collaborating with the actor for the fifth time, following several successful classics such as The Merchant of Venice, Wilde Salomé, Salomé and Modi.
Bernard Rose will not only direct the drama but will also be responsible for writing the script, which will feature the two Oscar-winning stars. Here, check out everything about Lear, Rex…
Al Pacino and Jessica Chastain collaborate on Lear, Rex
This is not the first time Al Pacino and Jessica Chastain collaborate in a movie; on the contrary, they previously worked together on Wild Salomé. This time, the duo will co-star in the drama based on William Shakespeare’s play.
The Godfather actor will portray the main character, King Lear, while The Eyes of Tammy Faye actress will play Goneril. So far, they are the only two who have been chosen to form the cast.
According to Deadline, Pacino believes that these kinds of masterpieces should be “tested more often in film” to be able to “take the humanity that Shakespeare writes into the characters and express it“.
What is Lear, Rex about?
Well, at the moment, the official storyline for the adaptation has not been confirmed, but the original play follows an elderly king who divides his land among his three daughters to prevent future conflicts.
However, he rejects the young daughter who genuinely loves him and places his trust in his malevolent sisters, who strip him of his power and condemn him to a miserable wasteland of horror and madness.
The tragedy is set in the British kingdom and culminates in several devastating events with deaths, betrayals, and reflections on power, loyalty, and human nature. The relationship between Lear and Cordelia is particularly poignant.
The title is considered one of Shakespeare’s greatest works and one of the most impactful tragedies in world literature, as it explores fundamental themes such as madness, betrayal, old age, and the search for meaning in life.
The production team spoke about the future of the project
Some members of the production team have not hesitated to reveal some details about the project, and producer Barry Navidi was one of them, who spoke with Deadline and confessed:
“This project has been Al’s labor of love for over a decade. I am thrilled to bring this incredible journey to the screen with Bernard Rose’s brilliant adaptation and bold, unique vision. I am very excited to team up again with Jess since Pacino’s ‘Wilde Salome.'”
Meanwhile, director Bernard Rose also spoke with the outlet and said, “Al and I are going to make a bold cinematic Lear that will be as accessible, moving, and powerful as the play was for its original audiences. I am delighted that Jessica Chastain is joining us on this journey“.
