Proving that Cannes’ film launches aren’t all about breakdancing zombies and sport-playing primates, The Telegraph reports that a none more high-brow adaptation on King Lear is taking shape.
Shakespeare’s tragedy is gearing up for a new big-screen treatment with buckets of blood and battles promised by its makers - plus, a fair amount of star power too. Keira Knightley is all set to play Cordelia, the youngest daughter of the King, while Gwyneth Paltrow is tipped to take the role of Regan, the monarch’s treacherous middle daughter. Lear himself will be portrayed by Sir Anthony Hopkins.
The question of who will play Goneril, the even more evil oldest child, has yet to be decided.
The film has a budget of $35 million (which is fairly hefty for a Bard adaptation) and will start rolling as soon as the casting gaps are filled. Watch this space for more news.