Shekhar Kapur's modern take on Shakespeare 'Will' to be a 10-episode TV series

Shekhar Kapur’s TV series Will, the account of young William Shakespeare’s life as he arrives in London to establish a career in theatre, has been given 10-episode series order for a 2017 premiere by TNT. Kapur, best known for helming Elizabeth, has directed the pilot which comes from Craig Pearce, the longtime writing partner of filmmaker Baz Luhrmann. It stars British newcomer Laurie Davidson in the title role, reports Deadline. Pearce wrote the script and executive produces with Kapur, Alison Owen (Elizabeth) and Debra Hayward (Love Actually), as well as Vince Gerardis, Howard Braunstein and Louise Rosager. [caption id=“attachment_2798106” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Laurie Davidson as a young Shakespeare in Shekhar Kapur’s ‘Will’. Youtube screen grab.[/caption] The project was previously set up at HBO. Will explores the adventures of a young William Shakespeare (Davidson), as he arrives in London at the brink of the punk-rock theatre scene in 16th century. Kapur’s version of Shakespeare’s life is contemporary, it documents his sheer brilliance and talent, and deals with universal themes of the performing arts. “Will has an energy and style that is unlike anything else on television today,” said Sarah Aubrey, executive vice president of original programming for TNT, in this article by Coming Soon. “Shakespeare was a 16th century rock star, and Will perfectly captures in contemporary terms what that must have felt like for the young writer and his fans. We are delighted to be working with such an extraordinary team of executive producers and cast in putting a fresh, bold spin on the story of Shakespeare.” Watch the trailer here:

(With inputs from PTI)