All The Largest Stars Who Have Performed Romeo & Juliet

Learn on to search out out which stars have taken on Shakespeare…

1. Package Connor & Rachel Zegler

It was simply revealed that Rachel Zegler can be starring reverse Package Connor in a Broadway manufacturing of Romeo + Juliet. The pair will each be making their Broadway debut within the restricted engagement present which is about to provide the well-known Shakespearean story a contemporary twist.

Whereas not a lot is understood concerning the manufacturing, following the announcement, Rachel joked that she was “personally feeling very chill” about the entire thing.

2. Tom Holland & Francesca Amewudah-Rivers

In early 2024, it was introduced that Tom Holland can be enjoying Romeo in a West Finish manufacturing of Romeo & Juliet alongside his co-star Francesca Amewudah-Rivers. Sadly, the casting was met with a lot criticism, making Francesca the goal of a “barrage of deplorable racial abuse.” Because the hateful feedback continued to pour in, followers demanded that Tom make an announcement in help of Francesca.

Whereas the manufacturing firm behind the play, The Jamie Lloyd Firm, have since condemned the web harassment, Tom has not but spoken out concerning the state of affairs.

After it opened, the present was hit with unfavorable critiques, particularly for Holland’s efficiency.

3. Leonardo DiCaprio & Claire Danes

Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes have been catapulted into stardom after showing in Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 adaptation of Romeo + Juliet. Up to date for contemporary instances, the film was filmed in Mexico and featured weapons as an alternative of swords and automobiles as an alternative of horses.

“It was set in fashionable instances, however we have been very true to the story and we didn’t ever divert from Shakespeare’s format,” Claire informed the Hollywood Overseas Press on the time.

She continued, “However I didn’t really feel that there was a lot of a distinction, as a result of the characters nonetheless had the identical emotions, Juliet was feeling alone and terrified of rising up, needing love from Romeo. We had all these feelings which can be part of human nature and that we are going to all expertise it doesn’t matter what time we’re residing in. That’s why Shakespeare has lasted for therefore lengthy, as a result of persons are nonetheless getting one thing out of his tales they usually nonetheless make sense to them.”

4. Douglas Sales space & Hailee Steinfeld

In 2013, Douglas Sales space and Hailee Steinfeld starred in an adaptation of Romeo & Juliet. On the time, Hailee was only a few years older than Juliet Capulet’s precise age within the play — 13. Wanting again, Hailee says it helped her higher relate to the character.

“What I like a lot about Juliet is how youthful she is and the way harmless she is. It was actually attention-grabbing, exploring her feelings myself, at that age. I positively explored a facet of vulnerability and innocence that I had by no means actually achieved earlier than, in order that was actually enjoyable and attention-grabbing,” she informed Collider.

She continued, “One other factor is that she could be very robust and unbiased. What’s so stunning concerning the story is that she doesn’t actually know what she needs till she doesn’t have it, which is like most of us, in some conditions. You actually see her battle for what she loves. She does what she will to get to what she needs.”

5. Orlando Bloom & Condola Rashad

That very same yr, Orlando Bloom and Condola Rashad starred in a Broadway revival of Romeo and Juliet. Whereas the play was set in fashionable instances, together with a motorbike using Romeo, it nonetheless utilized Shakespeare’s play dialogue. Orlando stated collaborating within the three month manufacturing was one of many highlights of his profession.

“It’s 2013 and William Shakespeare is again on Broadway in Romeo and Juliet after 36 years. To be part of that’s past an honor and a privilege. It is really one thing that I’ll treasure and would be the wind beneath my wings for the remainder of my days. It’s actually an incredible expertise,” Orlando shared on the time.

6. Leslie Howard & Norma Shearer

In 1936, Leslie Howard and Norma Shearer introduced Romeo and Juliet to the large display in an early adaptation of the Shakespeare play. Producer Irving Thalberg pushed for the movie to be made for years earlier than it really went into manufacturing and after a profitable run on Broadway, MGM lastly agreed. Irving, who died on the night time of the premiere, stated that he aimed “to make the manufacturing what Shakespeare would have wished had he possessed the amenities of cinema.”

7. Leonard Whiting & Olivia Hussey

Virtually 20 years later, Romeo and Juliet was tailored as soon as once more in 1954, this time starring Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey — marking her solely massive display function. The movie shot virtually solely in Italy and was extremely regarded on the Venice Movie Fest. It was even nominated for a number of BAFTA Awards.

8. Laurence Harvey & Susan Shentall

In 1968, Laurence Harvey and Susan Shentall starred in Romeo and Juliet, marking the primary time the actors portraying the leads have been shut in age to that of the unique play. Within the seek for the teenage stars, director Franco Zeffirelli reportedly thought of each Paul McCartney and Phil Collins earlier than ultimately deciding on Laurence and Susan, who have been each unknown actors on the time.