Robert Eggers to Direct Olde English Romeo & Juliet After Werwulf
Robert Eggers is trading werewolves for star-crossed lovers. The director is making an adaptation of William Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' his next feature film, as first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Focus Features won a bidding war for the project, beating out studios including A24, Sony, and Warner Bros. The outlet reports the deal is valued in the "high-seventy millions," covering filmmaker fees and the production budget.
In a twist, sources tell The Hollywood Reporter the adaptation will have actors speaking in Olde English, not the traditional Shakespearean dialogue. Eggers is known for his meticulous period detail, having previously shot entire films in languages like Middle English.
The project will reunite Eggers with Focus Features, which has released his past films including 'The Northman,' 'Nosferatu,' and the upcoming 'Werwulf.' According to JoBlo, this move puts the status of other rumored Eggers projects, like a 'Labyrinth' sequel or a 'A Christmas Carol' adaptation, in question.
Eggers' next film, 'Werwulf,' is still on deck for a Christmas Day theatrical release this year before he dives into Verona.
