O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou our Romeo and Juliet? In all seriousness, when we heard that Robert Eggers, the filmmaker disgustingly obsessed with history and darkness (we love him for it), was set to adapt Romeo and Juliet, we got very excited.
We’ve already been treated to several takes on the Shakespearean classic – from Baz Luhrmann’s incredibly hyperactive and theatrical version with Leonardo DiCaprio, to the more faithful adaptations of 1936 and 1968. And who could forget the gnome version, Gnomeo & Juliet?
As Eggers admirers, we found this news particularly enthralling, especially given his promise that this adaptation will be written in Elizabethan English. Eggers has a gift for making old stories feel strange, intimate and unsettling again. In his hands, Verona could become somewhere we’ve never quite been before. And what a gift to experience that.
Naturally, we’re already wondering who will be cast as the titular Romeo and Juliet. Every filmmaker has their muse, and Eggers has a few who could be in the running. Think Lily-Rose Depp, Anya Taylor-Joy and Willem Dafoe – though we see him more as Lord Montague.
In honour of this exciting adaptation, we’re giving the matter some serious thought and naming all the actors we think would make the perfect cast for Robert Eggers’ Romeo and Juliet.
Romeo
A hill I will die on is Spike Fearn belongs in every romantic comedy. After seeing him in Finding Emily and Aliens: Romulus, the range on this man is incredible – he can be dark and romantic. I could see him making Romeo’s love and recklessness feel believable.
Juliet
Another rising star is Chase Infiniti. Combining fragility with resolve, she could make Juliet’s growing defiance as compelling as the romance.
Lord Montague
I’ve said it before and I will say it again, Willem Dafoe all the way here. He can play a lord and display bitterness, while also have a soft spot for his son’s melancholy.
Lady Montague
Kate Dickie is no stranger to being a mother, as we have seen in GOT… and she’s also no stranger to being in a film with Robert Eggers. I would love to see a dark and twisted side of Lady Montague that I know Dickie can do.
Lord Capulet
Ralph Ineson could give Juliet’s father a frightening authority, with of course touches of humanity.
Lady Capulet
Eva Green exudes a regal vibe, while also being intimidating and emotionally elusive – she would be an excellent fit for the film.
The Nurse
Olivia Colman as the nurse makes perfect sense. Her humour, affection and emotional complexity – she has the essential warmth within a dark world.
Mercutio
Dominic Sessa is the new chef in town, and him by Romeo’s side as his best friend would be perfect. Angular, charismatic and irreverent. He would make a good choice to display Mercutio’s wit, volatility and tragedy.
Tybalt
D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai has the intensity and physical presence for a proud and combustible Tybalt.
Paris
Louis Partridge would be the ideal for an outwardly impeccable suitor to Juliet who holds great social confidence.
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