Troma is casting a spiritual sequel to Tromeo and Juliet

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

One of the most popular films to come from Troma Entertainment is their 1996 release TROMEO AND JULIET, an off-the-wall adaptation of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet that was directed by Troma founder Lloyd Kaufman from a screenplay he wrote with James Gunn – the same James Gunn that has gone on to make SLITHER and GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY.

Twenty-two years later, Troma is now gearing up for another Shakespeare-inspired film, this one based on the play The Tempest. Kaufman will be directing, and wrote the script with Brandon Bassham.

According to the Wikipedia synopsis of The Tempest, the story is set 

on a remote island, where the sorcerer Prospero, rightful Duke of Milan, plots to restore his daughter Miranda to her rightful place using illusion and skillful manipulation. He conjures up a storm, the eponymous tempest, to cause his usurping brother Antonio and the complicit King Alonso of Naples to believe they are shipwrecked and marooned on the island. There, his machinations bring about the revelation of Antonio's lowly nature, the redemption of the King, and the marriage of Miranda to Alonso's son, Ferdinand.

Troma's version of the story is going by the thoroughly Tromatic title SHAKESPEARE'S SHITSTORM. Muffled screams have been heard coming from Shakespeare's grave.

The studio has put out a casting notice, which can be seen below, and they're looking to fill all roles in time for the film to go into production this summer in New York. 

Kaufman had this to say about the project: 

This could quite possibly be my last movie, and to some, my first movie! Michael Herz, The Troma Team, and I are extremely excited to officially open the cast and crew call for 'Shakespeare's Shitstorm'! This movie, being a spiritual sequel to 'Tromeo & Juliet', will be Troma's second take on the Bard. Contact [email protected] if you'd like to be in and/or work on 'Shakespeare's Shitstorm'!"

Kaufman is producing the film with Patricia Kaufman, John Brennan, Justin Martell, and Troma co-founder Michael Herz.