Film & TV NewsAl Pacino Will Star in New Film Adaptation of King LearMichael Radford will direct Pacino in the title role of the Shakespeare tragedy.
By
Andrew Gans
November 26, 2018
Al Pacino
Joseph Marzullo/WENN
Tony and Oscar winner Al Pacino, last on Broadway in China Doll, will star in the title role of a new film adaptation of William Shakespeare's King Lear, according to The Guardian.
Michael Radford, who helmed the 2004 Pacino-led The Merchant of Venice movie, will direct the veteran actor as the once-great monarch who descends into madness.
Barry Navidi, who produced Merchant of Venice, is also attached to Lear. Filming is expected to begin next fall in the U.K.
Director Radford told the Observer, “Lear is the one that everyone aims for. Al has been toying with the idea for a long time. There’s a difference between Shylock, who’s only in five scenes, and Lear, who is in every scene, pretty much. It’s enormous. I think [Pacino] would like to have that kind of kudos because he’s a terrific actor.”
Pacino made his Broadway debut in Does a Tiger Wear Necktie? in 1969 and won a Tony Award for his performance. He won his second Tony for his role in the 1977 revival of The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel. He was also Tony-nominated for his work in American Buffalo and the 2010 staging of The Merchant of Venice.
In related news, Tony winner Glenda Jackson will return to Broadway later this season in the title role of a new production of King Lear, directed by Sam Gold.
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Celebrating Two-Time Tony Winner Al Pacino
Celebrating Two-Time Tony Winner Al Pacino
The actor celebrates his birthday on April 25. Looks back at a stage career spanning over 40 years.
38 PHOTOS
Al Pacino in Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?
Al Pacino in Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?
Al Pacino and Hal Holbrook in Does a Tiger Wear a Necktie?
Al Pacino and Gustave Johnson in The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel
Al Pacino and Jack Kehoe in The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel
Al Pacino in The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel
Al Pacino in King Richard III
James Hayden and Al Pacino in American Buffalo
James Hayden and Al Pacino in American Buffalo
Al Pacino, James Hayden and J.J. Johnston in American Buffalo
Al Pacino and J.J. Johnston in American Buffalo
James Hayden, Al Pacino and J.J. Johnston in American Buffalo
Al Pacino and Suzanne Bertish in Salome
Charles Cioffi and Al Pacino in Chinese Coffee.
Steve and Anita Shevett / The New York Public Library
Al Pacino and Charles Cioffi in Chinese Coffee
Al Pacino in Hughie
Al Pacino in Hughie
Al Pacino in Hughie
Al Pacino in Hughie
Al Pacino in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui
Al Pacino in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui
John Goodman and Al Pacino in The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui
Al Pacino and David Harbour in The Merchant of Venice
Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice
Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice
Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice
Richard Topol, Al Pacino and Byron Jennings in The Merchant of Venice
Lily Rabe, Al Pacino and Byron Jennings in The Merchant of Venice
Al Pacino in Glengarry Glen Ross
Al Pacino in Glengarry Glen Ross
Al Pacino and cast in Glengarry Glen Ross
Al Pacino and Bobby Cannavale in Glengarry Glen Ross
The four-time Tony-winning actor and writer is featured along with Michael R. Jackson, Jacquel Spivey, and more in Pride of Stage and Screen, airing on MSNBC June 26.