Whenever people talk about classic stories that defy time or space, William Shakespeare's Hamlet is one that always rises to the top. The tale has been told a number of different ways by many different artists, but the next take on the legendary story seems like one of the most fascinating versions to date. Ophelia will approach the timeless Hamlet story from an entirely different perspective, and the first look at Star Wars' Daisy Ridley in the titular role has us incredibly excited about what the rest of the film has in store. Check out the excellent photo below for a closer look at the up and coming actress in her new role.
Aside from the fact that Daisy Ridley is a dead ringer for Princess Leia from Return of the Jedi in that photo, we cannot deny how great she looks as she nestles into this Shakespearean role. Ophelia will be a new take on a familiar tale, as it will tell the iconic story of Hamlet from the perspective of Ophelia. It's hard to glean precise plot details from this photo, but if she is close to a willow tree or a brook, then we may want to start worrying about her safety.
Of course, Daisy Ridley will not be the only major A-list talent to take part in Ophelia. In addition to the Star Wars newcomer, the roster for the upcoming project is a who's who of Hollywood actors -- including Clive Owen, Naomi Watts, and George MacKay. Claire McCarthy will direct the film based off of an adapted screenplay penned by Semi Chellas.
Ophelia has become one of the most iconic characters in Shakespearean lore since Hamlet was first written. She has had psychology texts named after her, and her basic characterization in the stage play has been adapted time and time again to inspire other fictional characters -- such as Tara Knowles in FX's Sons of Anarchy. It's hard to tell exactly what Daisy Ridley will do with the role, or how it will differ from what we've seen before, but we're incredibly excited to see it come together.
The most enticing thing about Ophelia is the sheer amount of opportunity it will afford Daisy Ridley as she progresses in her career. Upon breaking out and becoming a household name with her role as Rey (no last name given) in J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Ms. Ridley can now take on virtually any part that she desires. Rather than hopping into several different blockbuster franchises (she was even rumored for Lara Croft before Alicia Vikander took over), she appears to be taking her time and picking roles that afford her the chance to break away from Rey. These opportunities have included her upcoming stint in Ophelia, as well as a role in Kenneth Branagh's upcoming Murder on the Orient Express remake. Given the Shakespearean connection between her and Branagh, this leaves me wondering if she asked him for any advice.
We will bring you more information related to Daisy Ridley's role in Ophelia as new details related to the project become available to us. For more updates related to the rest of the most highly anticipated 2017 movie debuts, take a look at our comprehensive movie premiere guide.
