Emmy winnerBrendan Gleesonis in talks to join Oscar winnersDenzel WashingtonandFrances McDormandinJoel Coen’s adaptation ofWilliam Shakespeare’sMacbeth, Collider has exclusively learned.
Scott Rudinis producing the A24 movie, and the distributor declined to comment, while a representative for Gleeson did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Shakespeare’sMacbethfollows a general (Washington) who’s convinced by a trio of witches that he’s destined to become the king of Scotland. With the help of his ambitious wife (McDormand), Macbeth tries to seize the crown by any means necessary.
Gleeson is in talks to play King Duncan, though sources caution that his deal isn’t done yet, as the Irish actor still has to work out his schedule for the CBS miniseriesA Higher Loyalty, in which he’ll playDonald Trump.
Coen is directing from his own original screenplay, andMacbethwill mark his first time not working alongside his brother,Ethan Coen, with whom he shares four Oscars – including a Best Picture statue for producingNo Country for Old Menwith Rudin. Production is slated to start early next year.
Best known for playing Mad-Eye Moody in theHarry Pottermovies, Gleeson recently worked with Coen, having appeared in “The Mortal Remains” segment ofThe Ballad of Buster Scruggs. TheMr. Mercedesstar was last seen on the big screen inIra Sachs' indie dramaFrankie.
Gleeson won an Emmy for playingWinston Churchillin the HBO original movieInto the Storm, which also earned him a Golden Globe nomination along with his turns inThe GuardandIn Bruges. He has worked with many of Hollywood’s top directors, includingSteven Spielberg,Martin Scorsese,Ridley Scott,Ron Howard,Danny Boyle,Paul GreengrassandM. Night Shyamalan. Gleeson is represented by The Agency in Ireland and Principal Entertainment LA.
Gleeson’sHarry Potterco-starDavid Thewlisrecently played King Duncan inJustin Kurzel’s 2015 adaptation ofMacbethstarringMichael FassbenderandMarion Cotillard. For the latest on all thingsPotter-related, including the news thatFantastic Beasts 3will feature more Hogwarts,click here.
