Cynthia Erivo reveals first post ‘Wicked’ role will be huge Shakespeare adaptation
Cynthia Erivo has announced what her next role will be, after both Wicked and Wicked: For Good have finally been released to the world.
As per Variety, the global superstar has set her sights on a newly announced film adaptation of a William Shakespeare classic: Othello.
Barbara Broccoli‘s Eon Productions, which formerly produced and owned the James Bond franchise, will jointly produce the endeavour with Qatar’s newly launched Film Committee. It will be shot in Doha, Qatar.
Erivo will play Emilia, the wife of the play’s villain, Iago. David Oyelowo will be reprising the role of Othello, which he played in New York in 2016.
Also returning from the 2016 production is Superman star Rachel Brosnahan as Othello’s wife, Desdemona.
Broccoli shared a statement about Othello, saying that she has “wanted to produce the cinematic adaptation of Othello since we staged the production in New York in 2016.” It is the first film production she has been attached to since control of the James Bond franchise was handed to Amazon MGM Studios.
David Oyelowo, who will be directing the feature as well as starring in the titular role, shared of the casting choice, “Cynthia is not only a generational talent but a dear friend with whom I am always keen to collaborate.”
He added, “Rachel was a dream to play opposite in our original stage production and has been an inspiring pillar to build around for our fresh take on this legendary tale.”
Erivo is currently enjoying the success from the second Wicked movie, which enjoyed a huge box office triumph on its opening weekend, breaking a record set by the first movie.
In the Broadway adaptation, Erivo plays Elphaba alongside Ariana Grande, who plays Princess Glinda. The pair sing and dance throughout their journey to ensure good triumphs over evil in the City of Oz.
Watch the Wicked: For Good trailer below.
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