It would be an understatement to say that we at Collider are excited about A24 and Apple’s William Shakespeare adaptationThe Tragedy of Macbeth. However, who isn’t excited about the film at this point? It is true that many Macbeth adaptations have come and gone on both the stage and the screen. However, with every bit of information we find about the film, the more this new take on the vengeful and bloody tale seems like nothing we’ve seen before.
Here is everything we know about the upcoming thriller.
RELATED:5 Frances McDormand Performances to See Before ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’
DoesThe Tragedy of MacbethHave a Trailer?
Watch the full-length trailer forThe Tragedy of Macbethabove.
When IsThe Tragedy of Macbethin Theaters and Streaming?
The film will have a limited releasein theaters on December 25, making tickets to see it one of the best things you can find under the Christmas tree. If you can’tmake it to your local theater to see it, no worries!The Tragedy of Macbethwill then be available tostream on Apple TV+ on August 13, 2025.
What’s The Plot ofThe Tragedy of Macbeth?
Well, what is there to say that hasn’t been said before? Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most famous and most widely-read plays. Many students have probably read the play during their high school or college English classes. However, if you have somehow never heard of or read the play, here’s what you need to know aboutThe Tragedy of Macbeth’s plot.
The powerful Scottish general Macbeth meets a mysterious trio of witches that say that he could become the next king of Scotland. He tells his wife about the prophecy, leading the couple to begin a plan to ascension that involves murdering the current king. However, Macbeth’s lust for power and Lady Macbeth’s paranoia eventually get the better of them, threatening to undo their grand plan.
Who DirectedThe Tragedy of Macbethand Why Is He Going Solo?
The director ofThe Tragedy of Macbethwill sound very familiar to any cinephile.Joel Coendirected the upcoming film, making it his first film without his brotherEthan Coen. The filmmaking duo is famously known for such films asFargo,Inside Llewyn Davis,The Big Lebowski,No Country for Old Men, andO Brother, Where Art Thou?
So, why are the brothers seemingly parting ways? The explanation is a lot more amicable than you probably think.Macbethcomposer and frequent Coen collaboratorCarter Burwellsaid on the Score Podcast that Ethan has simply moved on from the silver screen.
“Ethan just didn’t want to make movies anymore,” Burwell explained. “Ethan seems very happy doing what he’s doing, and I’m not sure what Joel will do after this.”
He previously spoke with Collider about working solely with Joel, saying that it felt“a little bit different”but is ultimately confident in the final product.
“I think it’ll still going to be very recognizable a voice that you’re familiar with,” Burwell told Collider last year, “a look that you’re familiar with, I think. I think you’ll find that.”
Who’s Playing Who inThe Tragedy of Macbeth?
Denzel Washingtonwill play the titular Macbeth, marking his return to the works of Shakespeare after playing Don Pedro inKenneth Branagh’s 1993 adaptation ofMuch Ado About Nothing.Frances McDormandwill be by his side as Lady Macbeth, a role that had initially encouraged the Oscar-winning actress to pursue acting in her youth, according toThe New York Times. If having these two acting veterans portray the famously doomed couple isn’t enough to pique your interest, maybe the fact that theyact as if the Macbeths were the grown-up Romeo and Julietwill.
Of course, an adaptation ofMacbethwould not be complete without its supporting cast.Corey HawkinsandMoses Ingramwill play the Macduffs, foes of the Macbeths and the ones who first suspect that something suspicious is happening on the throne.Kathryn Hunterwill portray all three Witches responsible for prophesying Macbeth as the new King of Scotland. As for the current Scottish royalty,Brendan Gleesonwill play King Duncan, withHarry MellingandMatt Helmplaying his sons Malcolm and Donalbain respectively.Bertie Carvelwill play Macbeth’s ally Banquo, who also encounters the witches.
Ralph Ineson,Miles Anderson,Richard Short,Alex Hassell,Stephen Root,Robert Gilbert,James Odon, andBrian Thompsonalso star in the film.
What IsThe Tragedy of MacbethRated?
There is really no way that you can feasibly make an adaptation ofMacbeththat isn’t bloody and disturbing. Besides, the idea that vicious greed can consume otherwise rational people is the core purpose of the play. Having a featureMacbethadaptation be bloodless due to a rating other than R would probably hamper the entire gruesomeness of the movie.
Thankfully, you will not have to worry about this withThe Tragedy of Macbeth. The film has been rated R for violence. Because of this rating, we will probably get to see the bloody battles and vicious kills that Macbeth films are known for, albeit with any stylistic or thematic twists Coen will add.
When and Where DidThe Tragedy of MacbethFilm?
This new take on the Shakespeare play began filming in February 2020. However, filming had to be halted the following month in March due to the coronavirus. Thankfully, filming did not have to be stopped for too long, as it resumed and subsequently ended in late July.
While manyMacbethadaptations opt to film on-location in Scotland or another European country with vast wilderness, that’s not the approach Coen gave to the film. Instead, it was filmed entirely on Los Angeles film stages. BurwelltoldIndieWire that this
filming decision has its inspirations in a highly influential film movement.
“It doesn’t look like Scotland, it’s more like a psychological reality. That said, it doesn’t seem stage-like either,” Burwell said. “Joel has compared it to German Expressionist film. You’re in a psychological world, and it’s pretty clear right from the beginning the way he’s shot it.”
What Have Been Critics Saying AboutThe Tragedy of MacbethSo Far?
If you are worried thatThe Tragedy of Macbethmight be underwhelming, initial reactions say otherwise. The film premiered in September at the New York Film Festival, where it was met with critical acclaim. Coen’s direction, the cinematography byBruno Delbonnel, and the performances of Washington and McDormand have been considered highlights. Currently, the film has a staggering 98% on Rotten Tomatoes with 50 reviews.
Are There Any Other Shakespeare Adaptations Coming Soon?
Surprisingly,The Tragedy of Macbethis not the only adaptation of a Shakespeare play hitting theaters this year. The hit musicalWest Side Storyis loosely based onRomeo and Juliet, with Verona being swapped for 1950s New York.Steven Spielberg’s new take on the musical will hit theaters on December 10.
As for stage adaptations go,Macbethwill be revived on Broadway in 2022.Daniel CraigandRuth Neggawill star as the nefarious couple at New York’s Lyceum Theatre for 15 weeks, with previews beginning in March and the show officially opening in April.
