The Weinstein Company has acquired Jim Kurziel's adaptation to Shakespeare's "Macbeth."
The company announced in a press statement it is acquiring U.S. and Canadian rights from StudioCanal, which will finance the film and handle international sales. Jacob Koskoff and Todd Louiso ("The Marc Please Experience") adapted the screenplay for the film. The film will star Michael Fassbender ("12 Years a Slave," "Shame," "Hunger") and Marion Cotillard ("The Immigrant," "Rust and Bone," "La Vie en Rose"). The film is being produced by See-Saw Films' Iain Canning and Emile Sherman who oversaw "The King's Speech" and "Shame."
Studio Canal's CEO Olivier Courson was delighted with the acquisition. "I'm delighted to team up with The Weinstein Company again who are the perfect home for domestic distribution of this high profile film," Courson said, according to Deadline.
The Weinsetin Company's Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein added, "Adapting a Shakespeare work like "Macbeth" takes the ability to infuse timeless tales with originality, while at the same time preserving what makes it classic to begin with. We are excited to be working with See-Saw, the entire filmmaking team, and Studiocanal along with Michael and Marion, who are some of the most daring, profound actors of the moment."
The Weinstein Company is known for releasing prestigious awards films. This year its lineup includes Hong Kong's Academy selection "The Grandmaster," Sundance winner "Fruitvale Station," "Lee Daniel's The Butler" and "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom." The company is also backing "Philomena," "One Chance" and "August: Osage County." In the past it has released "The King's Speech," "The Artist," "Silver Linings Playbook" and "The Master."