JUDE LAW - KENNETH BRANAGH WITHDRAWS FROM JUDE LAW'S HAMLET

KENNETH BRANAGH WITHDRAWS FROM JUDE LAW'S HAMLET

Jude Law will still play the Dane but for a different director after Kenneth Branagh pulled out of an upcoming production of Hamlet.

Branagh was to direct the Shakespeare play as part of the Donmar Warehouse's year-long residency at the Wyndham's Theatre.

But the Belfast-born actor and director has been forced to withdraw from the West End production due to a scheduling conflict with his impending film based on the Marvel Comics character Thor.

Hamlet will now be overseen by Michael Grandage, currently directing Branagh in the Donmar's production of Anton Chekhov's Ivanov.

"I feel privileged to be part of the Donmar West End season and to be directed by the company's artistic director Michael Grandage," said Law.

"It was Ken who brought me to this project," continued the actor, who is currently shooting scenes as Dr Watson for Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes film.

"With his support and guidance, as one of the greatest Hamlets of all time, and with Michael directing, I can't imagine a better scenario for me, as an actor, to undertake the role."

Grandage said he was "thrilled and flattered" to be working with "one of the leading actors of his generation as he takes on one of the most important roles of his career".

"From the outset Ken has been a huge support and inspiration for the Donmar West End season, a project that we could not have realised without his input."

Members of the public who had reserved tickets but no longer wish to see the production due to the change of director can apply to the Donmar for a full refund.

Hamlet begins previews at the end of May and continues until August 22nd.