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Al Pacino, revered as one of the best actors of all time, is carefully selecting his projects in the later stages of his career. In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Pacino shared insights into his filmography and revealed that he has four movies on his schedule before considering retirement. One of these upcoming projects is a new adaptation of William Shakespeare’s iconic play, King Lear.
King Lear, first performed in 1606, is among Shakespeare’s renowned tragedies, and the role of Lear has been portrayed by distinguished actors such as Ian McKellen, Christopher Plummer, and Brian Cox on stage. Pacino aims to join this esteemed list by bringing a cinematic rendition of the story to the big screen.
Addressing the notion of retirement, Pacino was dismissive, stating, “I’m always retired. I was retired when I was 25. I mean, who cares? Please don’t call it retired, I just don’t want to work anymore.” Despite the casual attitude toward the term “retirement,” Pacino’s focus on selective projects and his intention to tackle a significant role like King Lear suggest a deliberate approach to his future in the industry.
King Lear revolves around the titular character, an elderly ruler who seeks to divide his power among his daughters based on their love for him. The play has been adapted for the big screen before, most notably in Akira Kurosawa’s Ran, considered one of the best ’80s movies. Made-for-TV movies featuring Ian McKellen and Anthony Hopkins in the lead have also contributed to the legacy of King Lear on screen.
The prospect of Al Pacino taking on one of the great Shakespearean roles in King Lear adds an exciting dimension to his illustrious career. If this project materializes, it could serve as a fitting and high-profile culmination to Pacino’s remarkable journey in the world of cinema.