Al Pacino and Jessica Chastain to Star in "Lear Rex": A Modern Take on King Lear
5 August 2024

Al Pacino and Jessica Chastain to Star in "Lear Rex": A Modern Take on King Lear

The film world is buzzing with excitement as Hollywood prepares to bring a modern twist to William Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece, "King Lear". The upcoming movie, titled "Lear Rex", promises to gather some of the biggest names in the industry to breathe new life into this classic tragedy on the big screen.

Under the direction of Bernard Rose, "Lear Rex" is set to offer a contemporary interpretation of the age-old play. The film boasts an extraordinary cast, led by the legendary Al Pacino in the role of the aging king.

Pacino, an Oscar-winning actor, is no stranger to Shakespeare adaptations, having delivered memorable performances in "Richard III", "Julius Caesar", and "The Merchant of Venice". In "Lear Rex", he will embody the troubled monarch whose hasty decisions set off a chain of tragic events.

Joining Pacino is fellow Oscar winner Jessica Chastain, who will take on the role of Goneril, King Lear's eldest daughter. Chastain's presence promises to bring considerable depth and intensity to this complex character.

The cast of "Lear Rex" reads like a who's who of Hollywood talent. Other notable actors include:

Ariana DeBose as Cordelia

Rachel Brosnahan as Regan

Peter Dinklage as the Fool

Danny Huston as Albany

Chris Messina as Cornwall

LaKeith Stanfield as Edmund

Ted Levine as Kent

Matthew Jacobs as Gloucester

Rhys Coiro as Oswald

Stephen Dorff as Poor Tom


This impressive lineup has already generated significant interest on social media, creating substantial anticipation for the film.

"Lear Rex" aims to stay true to the essence of Shakespeare's work while transporting it to a modern setting. The story will follow the journey of an aging king who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters. His decision to reject Cordelia, his youngest and most beloved daughter, triggers a series of tragic events, leading him to lose the only person who truly loved him and face betrayal from his other two daughters.

The film will explore universal themes such as power, family conflicts, loyalty, and betrayal, offering a profound reflection on human nature and the consequences of our actions.

Barry Navidi, the film's producer, expresses his enthusiasm for the project: "Working with this talented cast, led by Al Pacino, will lead us to an extraordinary and unforgettable cinematic experience." This marks the fifth collaboration between Navidi and Pacino, promising a well-established chemistry between the producer and the lead actor.


Director Bernard Rose also shares his excitement: "It's incredibly thrilling to have the opportunity to work on this radical yet accessible adaptation of Shakespeare's greatest play, with this extraordinary cast brought together by Al, Barry, and Sharon."

Filming for "Lear Rex" is set to begin on August 12 in Los Angeles. While the release date for the film has not yet been announced, anticipation is already building. Viewers are eagerly waiting to see how this classic tragedy will be reinterpreted for a contemporary audience.

"Lear Rex" is shaping up to be a major cinematic event, blending Shakespeare's timeless genius with the glamour of modern Hollywood. With its stellar cast and bold vision, the film promises to captivate audiences and reignite interest in one of the greatest works of world literature.