Do we need another Romeo & Juliet movie? Well, older audiences don't, but I suppose with youngsters having the memories of gnats, they probably haven't watched the Baz Luhrmann or indeed Zeferelli versions (unless they were made to view it in English class) and so might go for a new take on the tale. Whether we need it or not, we're getting it, with Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick now in final negotiations to join the new Romeo and Juliet, which already has Hailee Steinfeld onboard as Juliet.
Hailee Steinfeld is set to star as Juliet, while Holly Hunter was recently cast as the Nurse, who effectively raised Juliet and serves as a go-between for her and Romeo. However Ed Westwick won't be playing one of the star-crossed lovers. Instead he'll be Tybalt, Juliet's hot-tempered cousin who is always quick to draw his sword, and causes half the problems in the play. Romeo is still to be cast.
Italian filmmaker Carlo Carlei is directing from a script by Julian Fellowes (with help from Shakespeare, of course), with shooting set to begin this summer in Italy. (Variety)