| Sir Walter Scott’s classic medieval novel Ivanhoe has been adapted for both the big and small screens and the stage several times through the years, most famously in 1952 by Richard Thorpe, whose film nabbed three Oscar nominations. Now Iain Softley is set to make a new version, with Sam Riley on board for the title role. Ivanhoe takes place in 1194, shortly after the failure of the Third Crusade, with King Richard a prisoner and Prince John on the throne. Wilfred of Ivanhoe is out of favour with his father, Cedric of Rotherwood, for his allegiance to Richard and his love for Cedric’s ward, Lady Rowena. Out on his own, he becomes allied with Robin Of Locksley – AKA Robin Hood – and must fight to restore himself through a series of jousts and dangerous missions. Sylvia writer John Brownlow scripted the latest adaptation, which Softley intends to shoot in 65mm for a truly epic scope. Riley, last on screen in Brighton Rock and Woman In Love, will next appear in On The Road (due October 12) and Neil Jordan’s Byzantium. He’s currently shooting Maleficent opposite Angelina Jolie and Sharlto Copley. | 
