AL PACINO - AL PACINO TAKES TO THRONE AS KING LEAR

AL PACINO TAKES TO THRONE AS KING LEAR

Al Pacino is to be crowned King Lear in a new film adaptation of the Shakespeare tragedy, it has been announced.

Michael Radford is to direct the film, his second Shakespearean effort with Pacino - after 2004's Merchant of Venice - and will begin shooting in Europe later this year, according to Variety.

King Lear, held by many to be the Bard's greatest work, tells of an ageing monarch who divides his kingdom between his three daughters, based on their love for him.

But while two disingenuously flatter their father, his favourite daughter Cordelia refuses to play with her father's affections and is disinherited, sparking a tragic climax.

Producer Barry Navidi said Pacino had been offered the role several times in the past but "didn't feel ready".

"The film will be true to its period, very similar to the classical look of Merchant of Venice," Navidi added.

"Michael came up with the most brilliant adaptation and Al and I flipped for it."

Pacino can next be seen in biopic Dali & I: The Surreal Story.