By Ryan Parsons | Image property of respective holders, Variety
Al Pacino
Pacino is returning to Shakespeare. Having played Shylock in 2004's Merchant of Venice, the actor will reteam with director Michael Radford for King Lear.
Al Pacino for King Lear
While Pacino has played many Shakespearean characters, he has never played King Lear, the aging monarch who selects his successor by parsing his kingdom in three parts, ruled by his trio of daughters. Two of them are scheming connivers who flatter their father, while the one loving daughter, Cordelia, refuses to play that game and is exiled. The king ultimately loses everything.
The film will be produced by Barry Navidi, who is excited to have Pacino onboard.
"Al has been offered this role many times over the years, but didn't feel ready," Navidi said. "He's ready now. The film will be true to its period, very similar to the classical look of 'Merchant of Venice.' Michael came up with the most brilliant adaptation and Al and I flipped for it."
Production is set to begin later this year in Europe.
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