With the release of The Avengers earlier this year, Joss Whedon finally earned the clout that so many fanboys have felt he has deserved since he created the Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV series in the late ’90s. The Marvel superhero team-up instantly transformed him into one Hollywood’s most sought-after storytellers and, of course, led directly to his involvement in Phase Two of Marvel’s plans, including the S.H.I.E.L.D. TV show and The Avengers 2.
However, instead of immediately delving back into the blockbuster game, Whedon – being the ambitious auteur that he is (after all, this is the man who turned a writer’s strike into the chance to make Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog) – chose to spend 12 days shooting a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic play Much Ado About Nothing. We’ve known about the film’s existence for roughly a year, and Lionsgate has already picked up distribution rights. Now, we finally have confirmation that the film will hit theaters on June 7th, 2013.
Here’s a brief description of the film:
Shakespeare’s classic comedy is given a contemporary spin in Joss Whedon’s film, ‘Much Ado About Nothing.’ Shot in just 12 days (and using the original text), the story of sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick offers a dark, sexy and occasionally absurd view of the intricate game that is love.
Writer, director, and producer Joss Whedon hits the big screen again with this inventive, modern-day version of one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved plays. Claudio (Fran Kranz) and Benedick (Alexis Denisof ) have just returned home to Messina after a successful campaign abroad. When earnest Claudio announces his adoration for the lovely Hero (Jillian Morgese), daughter of Messina’s governor Leonato (Clark Gregg), the acid-tongued Benedick teases him mercilessly. Benedick’s scorn for love is matched by that of his long-time nemesis and verbal sparring partner Beatrice (Amy Acker), Leonato’s niece. As the lovestruck Claudio and Hero make plans to marry, Benedick and Beatrice resume the “merry war” of insults they have long waged. Yet there are many who believe that for all their antagonism – or even because of it – this pair of incessantly sniping cynics is surely meant to be a couple. As matchmaking schemes are put into play and disguises are donned, loathing and love soon prove to be close cousins.
Longtime Whedon fans will recognize that a number of Much Ado‘s cast members are alumni from his various other projects. Acker alone has appeared in Angel, Dollhouse and Cabin in the Woods (which Whedon co-wrote), and Gregg, of course, appeared in The Avengers as fan favorite Agent Phil Coulson (a role he’ll reprise on the S.H.I.E.L.D. series).
There’s essentially no chance that Much Ado About Nothing will be anything more than a modest hit at the box office, seeing as its source material and low-budget production values are better suited to the independent circuit. However, Whedon has had a phenomenal year, with both Avengers and Cabin in the Woods scoring rave reviews and box office success. If nothing else, the man deserves the opportunity to pursue passion projects such as this. If audiences respond well to his latest endeavor, consider that a bonus.
Will you be seeing Whedon and friends’ production of Much Ado About Nothing next summer? Sound off below.
Much Ado About Nothing will be released in theaters on June 7th, 2013. Stay tuned for more details on the film as this story develops.
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I’ll see it just for the BRITANICK cameo.
ditto
I’m gonna try to see it next summer.
Joss, I just can’t believe you spent your time on this, rather than a sequel to Serenity, which I have no doubt, would garner more interest and make more money…
Why wouldn’t he want to take this time to do Shakespeare? The Bard’s plays have been popular for hundreds of years. “Serenity”, while entertaining, was not the end-all-be-all of film making…and it’s a recent creation, so (actors from its story line aging aside) he can revisit the universe whenever he wishes.
Also, maybe he’s not quite as interested in making MORE money with this in-between project…
A sequel to Serenity would take time and money that Joss was not able to afford at the time he made this. He made this film over a week. Plus, I think Joss Whedon can do whatever he so chooses now. Sure, I would love to see more Firefly like any other person, but I think this looks great too.
Did you not read the shot in 12 days part? This was something of a vacation for Whedon after the stress of the Avengers. Plus I don’t think any studio would bite for a Serenity sequel since it did so poorly in theatres.
You shut your mouth right now.
I don’t know. If they keep pushing that it was made by Joss Whedon it might draw a bit of a crowd, and just look at Lionsgates success with the Hunger Games this year, they have finally learned how to market a film. I know I’m marking my calendar so that I can see it!
Shakespeare by Joss Whedon?
I hate waiting….
I personally am excited to be able to see this being distributed. It’s a simple project that looks like a fun black and white movie. I hear the acting is solid, particularly Nathan Fillion as Dogberry, and it went over very well at the Toronto Film Festival. For a 12 day, low budget project that probably won’t really get in the way of any other projects he has going on, I personally think it’s great.
I can’t wait! I’ll be first in line.
I found out about this while looking up lines from the play and then continued to squeal for the next 5 min, and continue freaking out for the next 10. Much Ado About Nothing is my absolute favorite play ever (and i loved it even more after seeing the production with David Tennant and Catherine Tate found on Digital Theatre) and I love pretty much everything that Joss does with both his films and tv shows. To but them both together was nearly heart attack inducing for me. So needless to say I will most definitely be seeing this film as soon as it comes out.
I will also say though, no matter how excited I am for this film, I find Alexis and Amy…interesting…choices for the parts of Benedick and Beatrice. I only hope that I will be pleasantly surprised. On the other side, I can most definitely see Nathan as Dogberry (though its a shame he doesn’t make an appearance until the middle of Act III), and and Sean as Don John I can see as believable.
Having seen this at the TIFF last September, it was hands down the most fun Shakesperean adaptation imagineable. The chemistry between Alexis and Amy was tangible, but I have to say that Clark Greg and Diamond Reed freaking steal the movie. And Nathan Fillion is brilliant in the small role of Dogberry. The theatre was in freaking stitches laughing for most of the movie in the was that only Joss can make up laugh.
All in all, I’m super excited to see it again opening weekend and bringing my kids along too.
Hell yes!
One of my favorite plays, done by one of my favorite directors, starring many of my favorite actors. The question isn’t *will* I see it, but how many times will I see it.
I can’t wait. I count 8 actors he’s worked with before including Acker and Denisof as well as 2 Firefly/Serenity alumn. Can’t wait
Just a comment for this and Cabin in the Woods is Tom Lenk actually Joss’s “guestage”?
Gotta love the semi-incestuous castings I actually think that is why Cabin didn’t scare me (I’m a wimp) I spent most of the movie either trying to remember actor’s names or waiting to see who else would pop up.
Saw this at the SFIFF; this movie will make up for any ‘bad’ Shakespeare experience(s) you’ve ever had (or ever will have) no matter what your age! The film works perfectly! Forget that it’s “Shakespeare”, go see it, it’s what Much Ado was and is supposed to be – good, fun entertainment. Brilliantly fresh!
If I can find a theater that carries it, I’ll be seeing it. Way to go, Mr. Whedon!