Mirren 'to head cast of The Tempest'

Dame Helen Mirren is to take the lead role a forthcoming adaptation of Shakespeare's The Tempest, the US media reports.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Oscar-winning actor actress is to head up the cast – which will also feature Jeremy Irons, Djimon Hounsou and Russell Brand.

Director Julie Taymor had reportedly changed the gender of main character Propsero so Mirren can take the lead role, while it is believed that comedian Brand will play the jester Trinculo.

The trade paper claims that Alfred Molina, Ben Wishaw and Felicity Jones are also on board, while Geoffrey Rush is currently in negotiations to join the cast.

It is thought that the big-screen version will focus on Prospera, her daughter Miranda and a shipwrecked crew full of their enemies.

There are several Oscar winners in the cast, including Mirren - who won an Academy Award for her role in The Queen – and Irons, who took best actor award for Reversal Of Fortune.

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