Lionsgate has acquired North American distribution rights to Joss Whedons Much Ado About Nothing, which was just screened at this years Toronto International Film Festival. The film will be a joint theatrical release by Lionsgate and sister company Roadside Attractions although no specific date has, as of yet, been announced.
A contemporary adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing stars Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Nathan Fillion, Fran Kranz, Jillian Morgese, Sean Maher, Clark Gregg, and Reed Diamond.
Written, directed, and produced by Whedon, the film follows Claudio (Kranz) and Benedick (Denisof ) who have just returned home to Messina after a successful campaign abroad. When earnest Claudio announces his adoration for the lovely Hero (Morgese), daughter of Messina’s governor Leonato (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 (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.
Said Whedon of the acquisition: Im thrilled to be working with my cronies at Lionsgate again, and with The Roadside team. That they all embrace a Shakespearean romance with the same enthusiasm they had for ‘Cabin in the Woods’ shows that theyre exactly the mad fools we want to be partying I mean working with.
We’re so happy to once again be working with Joss Whedon after our great experience on Cabin in the Woods,” added Jason Constantine, President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions. “Who else can tackle horror, superheroes and Shakespeare all in one year? We look forward to working closely with Bellwether Pictures to help audiences discover this wonderful and timeless comedy.
Much Ado About Nothing was produced by Whedon and Kai Cole through Bellwether films, with Daniel Kaminsky serving as co-producer.
