Jessica Chastain and Al Pacino Cast in Lear, Rex

Actress and producer Jessica Chastain will star in Lear, Rex, an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play King Lear, alongside Al Pacino. Bernard Rose is set to write and direct the film.

Al Pacino, known for his iconic roles in The Godfather films, Scarface, and The Devil’s Advocate, will star as the lead character in the upcoming film. Jessica Chastain, who has displayed her talent in projects like Molly’s Game, The Help, and It Chapter Two, will portray the role of Goneril. This will be a reunion for the actors, who previously worked together in 2011 on the documentary Wilde Salomé, an adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s 1891 play.

The Godfather actor has an impressive list of nominations and wins for his roles, including two Emmy Awards, one Academy Award, four Golden Globe Awards, and many more. Similarly, the actress has won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her lead role in The Eyes of Tammy Faye in 2022, a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama for Zero Dark Thirty in 2013, and several additional wins and nominations throughout her career.

JESSICA CHASTAIN FOURTH TIME ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE UPCOMING!!!!!!!!

— allie (@tinychastain) February 27, 2024

In Lear Rex, a king decides to divide his kingdom equally among his three daughters. He tests how much his daughters love him by asking them to declare their love for him. While the older daughters flatter him with flowery speeches, the youngest daughter, Cordelia, refuses to indulge in flattery. The king, angered by her response, disowns her and divides his kingdom between the older daughters. However, the oldest daughters do not live up to their promises and turn against him. In a storm, the king is left alone and helpless until Cordelia comes back to save him with an army. But in the end, tragedy strikes the family.

The film will be produced by Barry Navidi, who has already collaborated with Pacino on four previous projects, including The Merchant of Venice (2004), Wilde Salomé (2011), Salomé (2013), and Modi (2024). Filmmaker and screenwriter Bernard Rose, best known for directing Candyman (1992), will write and direct.

Bernard Rose expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming film, particularly the casting of Chastain. He stated that he and Pacino aim to create a daring and captivating cinematic adaptation of “Lear” that will be as impactful as the original play was for its audience. Bernard seems thrilled to have her join their team for this project.

Lear, Rex is planning to commence production in Los Angeles, California, this summer.

While awaiting the upcoming film, you can stream Jessica Chastain’s award-winning project, The Help, on Hulu.