Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand set to star in Macbeth from Joel Coen

March 29th 2019, 10:23am

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is one of his most cherished works and has been getting the screen adaptation treatment ever since screen adaptations have been in existence. While the most recent one was only a few years ago no one is balking at the latest coming from Joel Coen (NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, FARGO), especially now that it has solidified Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand as the leading stars. For those who don't remember high school English class, the story follows Lord and Lady Macbeth as they attempted to kill the Scottish king and take the throne for themselves.

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Deadline got the scoop that the two would be starring in the movie from Coen, who is also writing the script and curiously not working with this brother, Ethan, whom he always does on a writing/directing efforts. The two have won Oscars together for their past work, so many a’ film buff have been wondering where the other half of the duo is on this Shakespearean undertaking. The report makes no mention of the other Coen but did confirm Scott Rudin is attached to produce with A24 handling domestic distribution.

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The last version of the tale on the big screen came from director Justin Kurzel with Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard in the lead roles and was a modern traditional telling in a period setting. No word on when Coen’s take is set but spins on Shakespeare classics is no unordinary thing, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to find out it takes place in a contemporary setting. Washington himself is no stranger to The Bard’s work, starring in a version of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING in 1993.

So, what do you all think? These three names alone make this project one to look out for and could even get some awards attention because, well, why the hell wouldn’t it? Two of the best actors alive are working with one of the best filmmakers who is adapting one of Shakespeare’s best plays. How is this not already a hit?

There's no set release date for MACBETH, but this seems like a project that could come together quickly.