Eggers to Direct Period-Accurate 'Romeo and Juliet' for Focus Features

Key points

• Focus Features won a bidding war against A24, Sony, and Warner Bros. to distribute the film.
• The deal is reported to be in the high-seventy million dollar range, covering talent, fees, and production costs.
• Eggers will direct and produce the film, which is intended to be his next project after 'Werwulf'.
• The adaptation will feature actors speaking in Old English, aligning with Eggers' meticulous attention to historical detail.
• The project represents a genre shift for Eggers from horror to tragic romance, though it retains his focus on period accuracy.

Background

Eggers has a consistent history of working with Focus Features, which has released or distributed all his major films, including 'The Witch,' 'The Lighthouse,' 'The Northman,' and 'Nosferatu.' His previous work, 'The Northman,' was based on the mythological precursor to Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' suggesting a continued interest in adapting foundational literary works. The 'Romeo and Juliet' project follows 'Werwulf,' which is set for a Christmas Day release and reunites Eggers with cast members from 'Nosferatu.'

How outlets are covering it

The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline confirm the core details of the deal, including the bidding war and the use of Old English dialogue. IndieWire emphasizes the period-accurate nature of the adaptation, noting that it will not be a modern-day retelling like Baz Luhrmann's 1996 version. A.V. Club offers a critical perspective, questioning the historical accuracy of using Old English for a play written in the 1590s, but acknowledges that it fits Eggers' established style. All sources agree that the project is a significant departure from Eggers' recent horror-focused filmography, though it maintains his commitment to detailed historical representation.

Why it matters

The project signals a potential shift in Eggers' career from horror to literary adaptation, while also highlighting the continued strength of his partnership with Focus Features. The high-budget deal and competitive bidding indicate strong industry confidence in Eggers' ability to adapt classic material for a modern audience, even with a focus on historical authenticity.

What to watch

The deal is expected to close soon, with 'Romeo and Juliet' slated to be Eggers' next project after 'Werwulf.' Other planned projects, such as a 'Labyrinth' sequel and a 'A Christmas Carol' adaptation, may be delayed. The film's release date and cast are yet to be announced.