After having made movies based on The Bible (The Nativity Story) and the work of Stephenie Meyer (Twilight), director Catherine Hardwicke is
turning to William Shakespeare. EW.com has learned exclusively that Hardwicke will reteam with Emile Hirsch (whom she directed in Lords of Dogtown) to create a modern-day supernatural thriller based on Hamlet. Stemming from an idea initially proposed by Hirsch, Hardwicke and screenwriter Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia) are working feverishly to transport the drama to a small East Coast liberal arts college where Hamlet’s father is the president. The story will begin with Hamlet (Hirsch) returning home for his father’s funeral, only to learn that his uncle, who has taken over his father’s post, is responsible for his father’s murder. Overture Films, the studio behind the project, hopes to have a script
completed in the next few months, with production beginning shortly
thereafter. Oscar-winning producers Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen (American Beauty, Milk) are producing the project.
So did Hardwicke ever imagine herself taking on Shakespeare? “Hell no,” she tells EW, laughing. “I had never thought of it at all, until Emile mentioned the idea. At first, I thought it was scary and crazy, and then we read it aloud and I knew how to do it.” And even though Hardwicke hopes to use some of the play’s original dialogue, fans who prefer Stephenie Meyer to Shakespeare, need not worry. “You will understand everything without having a copy of Shakespeare for Dummies with you.”
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I’d really prefer that that hack not ruin Shakespeare. Granted, Twilight the book was crappy source material, but the movie was the worst movie I’ve seen in year. And that includes the terrible direct to video Donnie Darko “sequel” S.Darko. Hardwick should never be allowed near a camera again.
cool good for her!
David Tennant and Patrick Stewart just began filming the amazing RSC production from last summer. I just don’t see how that could be bettered!
SPEW. Seriously. Anyone remember O? Here’s an idea – why don’t u create your own story (to screw up).
They already did this. Remember Hamlet 2000 with Bill Murray and Ethan Hawke? Yeah. Same thing. This is stupid.
Sure, this could be terrible. But am a big fan of Emile and Lords of Dogtown so I have some faith in where this could go. Plus, look at Romeo + Juliet. I know lots of people hated it, but I thought it was genius. We’ll just have to see.
Dear God. If this woman wants to wreck a fellow hack’s work, fine. But stay away from Shakespeare.
Do we really need this? O has already done the modernized story (as has She’s the Man and 10 Things I Hate About You) and Ethan Hawke already did a “modern” Hamlet. I love Emile Hirsch, but Kenneth Branagh and Lawrence Olivier he is not.
You can tell what they really think of Twilight fans’ reading comprehension when Hardwicke and EW say that they’ll be able to understand the story. Hamlet may be 400 years old, but it ain’t exactly rocket science. Or maybe it’s just a dig at Stephenie Meyer’s awful, amateur fan fiction-esque writing. Or maybe it’s both.
I think its hilarious when some fans of the Twilight books criticize the books. It makes me laugh SO. MUCH. Why are you a fan if you hate the books or if you think the writer is a hack? LOLLL. makes no sense.
Anyways, as a huge fan of the Twilight series (who HATEDDDD the movie), I hope that CHardwicke stays the hell away from Shakespeare.
I agree with Angel. Why would I want to watch an “update” when I can watch the real thing! Plus David Tennant is ten time hotter than Emilie Hirsch.
Linda, I don’t recall anyone criticizing the Twilight books on here while claiming to be a “fan.” I laugh SO HARD when people assume things about others’ tastes. Believe it or not, it’s possible to read the books and come out with higher brain functions intact and to see the writing for what it is.
Having said that, file this film under the “Films We Don’t Need or Really Want” heading. I want Hamlet, I’ll watch Branagh, thanks. I don’t want some dumbed-down version for tweens anyway.
Agree with angel.
Talk about a project that would be better “..not to be.” Why do producers and studios continue to allow Catherine Hardwicke near a camera? Twilight was one of the worst movies I have ever seen (and I enjoyed the book). The tone and pace were all wrong and the performances, some from talented actors, were just unwatchable. I love “Hamlet” but I sense a tragedy of a different kind when this project comes out!
Talk about a project that would be better “..not to be.” Why do producers and studios continue to allow Catherine Hardwicke near a camera? Twilight was one of the worst movies I have ever seen (and I enjoyed the book). The tone and pace were all wrong and the performances, some from talented actors, were just unwatchable. I love “Hamlet” but I sense a tragedy of a different kind when this project comes out!
Hannah- Actually there are people on here who bash the books, and then claim, in other threads, to be fans. So, I’m not assuming anything, as I’m not basing my opinion off of anything from this one thread. Also, I think that assuming that anything about the quality of writing is a “fact” shows that you don’t understand that writing (of any kind) is always judged by different people in different ways- so, what one person hates, another person may love. To diminish anyone’s opinion (including the opinion of those who love Twilight) indicates a lack of understanding for the fact that reading a book is a subjective experience.
Anyways, CHardwicke needs to stay AWAYYY from this project.
Hannah- Actually there are people on here who bash the books, and then claim, in other threads, to be fans. So, I’m not assuming anything, as I’m not basing my opinion off of anything from this one thread. Also, I think that assuming that anything about the quality of writing is a “fact” shows that you don’t understand that writing (of any kind) is always judged by different people in different ways- so, what one person hates, another person may love. To diminish anyone’s opinion (including the opinion of those who love Twilight) indicates a lack of understanding for the fact that reading a book is a subjective experience.
Anyways, CHardwicke needs to stay AWAYYY from this project.
Is it possible to get a Twilight-free version of EW.com I am getting really bored.
I know I might get barked at for saying this (or bitten in the neck), but I really hope it doesn’t star Robert Pattinson. Seeing him at the MTV Movie Awards should how much fame went to his head. Even Kristen Stewart rolled her eyes after the “I don’t think I can carry any more of these” quote.
http://twitter.com/tvdonewright
Adam- When Rob was on stage accepting his award for best fight, he said that he would NEVER win in a fight against Cam, and he actually thanked his stunt double onstage…and, backstage, he said “I’ve never won a fight in my life.”
How much more humble can one be?
But, as a Rob fan, I NEVER want to see him in a Hardwicke-directed film EVER AGAIN.
I think that some people feel as though Twilight fans worship Hardwicke…that’s not the case. Most Twilighters HATE her because she butchered the book that we love so much.
I’ll watch whatever Catherine Hardwicke directs. She discovered Robert Pattinson (yes, he was in Harry Potter, but no one knew he existed back then). And now he’s at the top of my celebrity sex list at http://shackinguplife.com
Who’s on your list?
kespeare just rolled over in his grave
Shakespeare just rolled over in his grave
Shakespeare just rolled over in his grave
Shakespeare just rolled over in his grave
Do we need another Hamlet? Hollywood has made three versions in the last 20 years. Enough is Enough! How about remaking MacBeth? Always loved the three witches.
I rather watch the real thing with David Tennant and Patrick Stewart. And I’ll understand it without “Shakespeare for Dummies”, thank you very much.
East coast liberal arts college? They should definitely shoot this at Williams!
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Oohh… Shakespeare? This will be interesting.