What do you get when you combine one of Ireland's most accomplished young actresses, an Oscar nominee at that, with Agent '007? The cast of a new Broadway production of Shakespeare's MacBeth it would seem!
Loving and Love/Hate actress Ruth Negga has been announced as the female lead in an upcoming production of MacBeth across the pond with none other than James Bond himself Daniel Craig poised to star opposite her as the titular character.
Negga previously gained high praise for her portrayal of a gender-swapped Hamlet, a role she originally played on stage at Dublin's The Gate Theatre before the production moved to Brooklyn. MacBeth will be her Broadway debut.
Craig has previously graced Broadway audiences in a 2009 production of A Steady Rain opposite Hugh Jackman, and again in 2013 opposite his wife Rachel Weisz in a revival of Betrayal.
A press release announcing the upcoming MacBeth production promises "this thrilling new production will capture the passion and ferocity of Shakespeare's most haunting text like never before."
The production will run for fifteen weeks at Broadway's Lyceum Theatre, beginning with performances on March 29, 2022, ahead of opening night on April 28.
"I am beyond thrilled to be participating in this historic season as theatre re-emerges, and to be working with two such masterful actors on one of dramatic literature's most challenging and epic dramas," said director Sam Gold. "I can't wait to get started!
"Daniel is not only a great film actor but a magnificent theatre actor as well. I am thrilled that he will be supporting the return of Broadway playing this iconic role with the exquisitely talented Ruth Negga making her Broadway debut and under the expert direction of Sam Gold," said producer Barbara Broccoli.
Craig recently appeared on The Late Late Show promoting the film where he told host Ryan Tubridy of his love for Ireland. When asked if he had managed to spend much time in Ireland of late he replied: "Yes, I mean, I love Ireland. I think I want to retire to Ireland if they will have me [laughs]."
Trust us Daniel, the door is always open on the Emerald Isle.
Featured Image Credit: Image Press Agency/SIPA USA/PA ImagesTopics: Ireland