Michael Fassbender to play Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' for director Justin Kurzel

Numerous actors have undertaken Shakespeare's Macbeth on the stage and small screen, with varying degrees of success. When it comes to film adaptations, however, the results have mostly been less than stellar. That's why it's a big deal when a version with some actual promise begins to take shape by landing an actor the caliber of Michael Fassbender.

Fassbender is attached to lead an adaptation of Macbeth, to be directed by rising star Justin Kurzel, whose last film Snowtown put him on a lot of radars. Written by Todd Louiso (Hello I Must Be Going) and Jacob Koskoff, their version will maintain the 11th century setting and include all of the original dialogue, but is said to be more visceral and include significant battle scenes.

Reuniting with his Shame and Hunger producers, Fassbender will play the titular Scottish lord who ruthlessly takes the throne with the help of three witches and his devious wife, Lady Macbeth. The search for an actress to play Lady Macbeth is underway, with at least one top leading lady said to be in the running.

Kurzel had been set to take on John Le Carre's Our Kind of Traitor with Ralph Fiennes and Mads Mikkelsen attached, but that looks to be taking a back seat now. It'll make for a juicy follow-up for Fassbender, who is currently shooting X-men: Days of Future Past. [Screen Daily]