In a career that moves in the opposite direction to Kenneth Branagh, Joss Whedon is following up superheroes with Shakespeare. His modernised adaptation of the bard’s MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING has recently been playing some festivals and has just been picked up by Lionsgate for distribution in North America. Lionsgate will be joining with their sister company Roadside Attractions to handle a theatrical release of the film.
Speaking of the acquisition Whedon seemed very enthusiastic:
I’m thrilled to be working with my cronies at Lionsgate again, and with The Roadside team. That they all embrace a Shakespearean romance with the same enthusiasm they had for CABIN IN THE WOODS shows that they’re exactly the mad fools we want to be partying – I mean working – with.
Lionsgate’s president of acquisitions, Jason Constantine, returned the sentiments:
We’re so happy to once again be working with Joss Whedon after our great experience on CABIN IN THE WOODS. Who else can tackle horror, superheroes and Shakespeare all in one year? We look forward to working closely with Bellwether Pictures to help audiences discover this wonderful and timeless comedy.
This sounds like a fabulous project. Even if it turns out to be mediocre, I think it’s great that Whedon is trying new things and not just obsessing over Marvel’s Phase 2.
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING is yet to have a UK release date announced. It stars Nathan Fillion, Clark Gregg, Amy Acker, Emma Bates, Spencer Treat Clark, and Alexis Denisof.
Source: Coming Soon
John Sharp
Sep 12, 2012 at 11:36 am
This is going to be the business. Beatrice and Benedick are perfect for Whedon’s gift with dialogue and strong female roles. Cannot wait. Well, I can, obviously, but I’m very much looking forward to this.