Julius Caesar is Gray

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by: Dave Davis Aug. 18, 2008

jDirector F. Gary Gray (THE ITALIAN JOB) is going to borrow a page from both Shakespeare and Baz Luhrmann (ROMEO + JULIET) with a contemporary version of Julius Caesar, based on the Oni Press graphic novel JULIUS.

In the book (released several years ago), writer Antony Johnston and artist Brett Weldele transplanted the Bard’s conspiratorial play to the volatile world of criminal enterprises in modern-day London’s East End. In this version, Julius is about to be offered full control over the local crime syndicates, a position he doesn’t want but is willing to accept. Only Julius’ best friend isn’t willing to relinquish power and shows his feelings in one of history’s most famous double-crosses, and must then live (or die) with his duplicitous decision.

The hit-or-miss Gray (A MAN APART, THE NEGOTIATIOR, BE COOL) is attached to direct the "urban" (the Hollywood PC term for "black") gangster drama for Manderlay Pictures. Don Cheadle was reportedly also once interested in adapting the book. Several other Oni Press graphic novels are being adapted to film, including Edgar Wright's upcoming version of the awesome SCOTT PILGRIM series.

Source: Variety

Extra Tidbit: Impending star Sam Worthington (AVATAR, TERMINATOR SALVATION) starred in MACBETH, another recent gunned-up modernization of a Shakespeare play.

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Mr. Ravenwood
2:32PM on 08/19/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Um. Cool.
Yes, Grey is hit or miss, but the premise is interesting and... if he casts Idris Elba ("The Wire," and "American Gangster"), I'll be there.

Yes, Grey is hit or miss, but the premise is interesting and... if he casts Idris Elba ("The Wire," and "American Gangster"), I'll be there.

 
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Omen666
8:01AM on 08/19/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Nah
The book wasn't that great. Is it me or are there way too many London/British gangster flicks? What the fuck are they saying half the time? I'd like to see this one take place here in America.
The book wasn't that great. Is it me or are there way too many London/British gangster flicks? What the fuck are they saying half the time? I'd like to see this one take place here in America.
 
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luke319
2:03AM on 08/19/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I haven't read the book, but one of my friends did and he didn't really care for it (and I didn't bother since he's ususally less critical than I am). Gray's exactly just what Dave said, a hit-or-miss type of director so I can't say this does much for me. However, Don Cheadle is a talanted guy who tends to make smart career choices, so if he showed interest in the material it must have some sor...
I haven't read the book, but one of my friends did and he didn't really care for it (and I didn't bother since he's ususally less critical than I am). Gray's exactly just what Dave said, a hit-or-miss type of director so I can't say this does much for me. However, Don Cheadle is a talanted guy who tends to make smart career choices, so if he showed interest in the material it must have some sort of value.
 
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project 86
1:57AM on 08/19/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
lead role will prolly belong to Tyrese Gibson lol
lead role will prolly belong to Tyrese Gibson lol
 
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sugarontop
11:56PM on 08/18/2008 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Great book, that one. I'm interested to see what this guy does in his film adaptation of a revisionist novel based on Shakespeare's play, which Shakespeare adapted from North's translation of Plutarch's history of Caesar.

Gotta love all of those layers, especially when the last one is a film.

Great book, that one. I'm interested to see what this guy does in his film adaptation of a revisionist novel based on Shakespeare's play, which Shakespeare adapted from North's translation of Plutarch's history of Caesar.

Gotta love all of those layers, especially when the last one is a film.