We have news today that the graphic novel Julius is set for adaptation thanks to the legendary caves of Yahoo:
Mandalay Pictures has picked up the film rights to the graphic novel “Julius,” a modern re-imagining of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar.”
The Oni Press novel, written by Antony Johnston and illustrated by Brett Weldele, follows Julius, a London crime king who is beloved like royalty by the public. His generals, however, conspire against him.
I hate modern re-imaginings of Shakespeare’s work, I find it incredibly lame. I hated Di Caprio’s Romeo and Juliet and every time I have seen some other modern rehash on TV, I quickly turn the channel. Everything seems to get lost in the translation when they do this and what’s left over is a horrendous frankenstein of a project that also bores the hell out of me.
Set Julius Caesar in the time and place where it was meant to be.
It is clear that I am not on board with this graphic novel or its soon to be film adaptation. If any of you have read the graphic novel feel free to share your thoughts; I will never read this one, and am certainly not looking forward to the film.
I take it you’re not a fan of 10 Things I Hate About You? That’s the only one I can think of that I enjoy.
As a Shakespeare scholar, I have to say like I like many modern day adaptations, though Romeo + Juliet does suck. I like adaptations in general, since that is pretty much how stories have been told throughout time.
The Ian McKellan Richard III uses the original text but updates the story to seem like it’s taking place in WW2. It’s very good. An great adaptation that doesn’t use the text is Scotland, PA, which sets Macbeth in a 70s fast food restaurant and costars Christopher Walken.
Some modern day adaptations of Shakespeare are not too bad. I actually enjoyed Romeo + Juliet. It was a unique take on the story. If you haven’t seen Ethan Hawk as Hamlet I suggest you check it out. It isn’t as good as Kenneth Brannagh’s version or Mel Gibson. Laurence Olivier is one of my favorites However, it is a fantastic modern take on a classic story. Also, the Australian version of Macbeth kicks some serious ass. In terms of a modern adaption for Julius I have seen a few modern interpretations live and they were all pretty cool.