Former James Bond franchise producer Barbara Broccoli is getting into the world of William Shakespeare with David Oyelowo and Cynthia Erivo.

Variety reports that Broccoli’s Eon Productions is producing a film adaptation of Othello, the famous Shakespeare play that focuses on the tragedy of a Moorish military captain in Medieval Italy. Broccoli will produce in conjunction with Qatar’s Film Committee. Oyelowo will star as the title character, with Erivo and Rachel Brosnahan also leading the cast. Oyelowo will also direct.

The film adapts the 2016 stage adaptation

This version of Othello is an adaptation of Sam Gold’s 2016 stage adaptation, which ran at the New York Theatre Workshop. Oyelowo and Brosnahan also starred in the stage production as Othello and Desdemona, respectively. Erivo will play Emilia, who was played in the stage adaptation by Marsha Stephanie Blake.

This version of the story is set in current times in the Middle East. Oyelowo said in a statement how the film will challenge what people know about the story, calling it “the most extraordinary combination of the ancient and the modern.”

“Our cinematic version of Othello is bitingly modern and fearlessly ambitious,” he said. “To have a real shot at that, you need fearless actors. Cynthia is not only a generational talent but a dear friend with whom I am always keen to collaborate, and Rachel was a dream to play opposite in our original stage production and has been an inspiring pillar to build around for our fresh take on this legendary tale.”

It’s unclear who will play Iago, Othello’s friend-turned-nemesis. Daniel Craig played the character in the stage adaptation, but no word on whether he will reprise the character for the film. However, with Broccoli’s involvement, it would make complete sense if Craig, who played James Bond for several years, would be asked to reprise his role.

Along with Broccoli, Nicky Bentham of Eon Productions will produce with Oyelowo via his production company, Yoruba Saxon.

When will the project film?

Othello will film in Doha, Qatar starting in fall 2026.