Two-time Oscar nominee Naomi Watts and rapidly ascending star Daisy Ridley are likely teaming up for a project. The pair are in final negotiations to star in “Ophelia,” a reimagining of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
The feature, set in the 14th century, will focus on the tragic, forbidden romance between the titular character (Ridley) and the prince, and her relationship with Queen Gertrude (Watts), his mother. A press release describes Ophelia as the Queen’s “most trusted lady-in-waiting” and states that as “war brews, lust and betrayal are tearing Elsinore Castle apart and Ophelia must decide between her true love or her own life in order to protect a very dangerous secret.”
Both a female writer and director are attached to the project. Claire McCarthy (“The Waiting City”) will helm a script penned by Semi Chellas (“Mad Men”).
“‘Ophelia’ is brimming with youth-fueled charisma, exploring the nature of true love and beauty, and I’m so excited to bring this fresh mythic spin to Hamlet from a female perspective,” said McCarthy. “This retelling will be experienced through the eyes of Ophelia and has the kind of romance, complexity and suspense that makes this beloved story exciting to younger audiences,” she added.
Up next for Watts is the big-screen adaptation of Jeannette Walls’ best-selling, award-winning memoir “The Glass Castle,” where she’ll play Brie Larson’s mother. She’ll topline Netflix’s new psychological thriller “Gypsy.” Watts will also EP the series, which centers on a therapist who has serious issues with boundaries. The first two episodes will be helmed by Sam Taylor-Johnson (“Fifty Shades of Grey”). The in-demand actress will also appear in Gia Coppola’s indie drama “The Secret Life of the Lonely Doll” alongside Jessica Lange.
“Star Wars” breakout Ridley just signed on to holocaust drama “The Lost Wife” and “Kolma,” a fantasy thriller directed by Marielle Heller (“The Diary of a Teenage Girl”).
