Shakespeare’s Othello is about to get not one, but two major cinematic treatments — each led by Hollywood heavyweights with very different visions. Denzel Washington and Daniel Craig are at the center of a brewing Shakespearean showdown, with both actors attached to separate film adaptations of the classic tragedy. And while both projects are officially in the works, their approaches couldn’t be more different.
Washington is set to reprise his role as Othello in a movie adaptation of the current Broadway revival, directed by Kenny Leon. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Leon confirmed that the screen version is moving forward, with Washington returning as the Moorish general. Leon will also direct the film, but it remains unclear whether Jake Gyllenhaal — who plays Iago on stage — will reprise his role on screen.
Leon’s interpretation of Othello is set in the near future and explores how Iago manipulates Othello into believing his wife Desdemona (played by Molly Osborne) is unfaithful. The production marks the first Broadway staging of Othello in over 40 years.
Washington had previously hinted at the film during an interview on The Today Show, stating, "I'm only interested in working with the best. I don't know how many more films I'm going to make, probably not that many." He added that upcoming projects include a film by Steve McQueen, Black Panther 3, and "a film version of Othello."
But Washington and Leon may not be the only ones bringing Othello to the screen.
Daniel Craig and former Bond producer Barbara Broccoli are also developing an Othello film, based on their acclaimed 2016 off-Broadway production set during the 2003 Iraq invasion. Sam Gold, who directed the original stage version, will return for the film. The project is moving forward under a newly registered company, Othello Film Company Limited. While Broccoli’s connection to the Bond franchise has ended, the film remains in active development.
Their version was widely praised by critics, in contrast to the more mixed reception of the Leon/Washington revival. As both adaptations take shape, one question remains: which vision will leave the stronger legacy?
