Daniel Craig seeks Gulf funding for his modern adaptation of Othello, blending his Bond legacy with new cinematic ambitions.
Daniel Craig in No Time to Die © 2019 DANJAQ, LLC AND MGM. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Now he is a former James Bond, Daniel Craig is channelling his talents into an ambitious adaptation of Shakespeare’s Othello. Set in an American military barracks in Iraq, this project sees Craig seeking financial backing from Middle Eastern investors, notably Qatar. Craig’s Othello, a passion project supported by Barbara Broccoli, aims to blend star power with the Gulf’s burgeoning film industry.
Barbara Broccoli, whose family controls the James Bond franchise, produced the off-Broadway Othello in 2016. This modern-dress production featured Craig as Iago and David Oyelowo as Othello, directed by Sam Gold. The play, praised for its raw and intimate portrayal, set in a makeshift barracks, received rave reviews, with Variety highlighting the palpable intensity of the performances.
In the present day, Craig’s endeavor to bring this adaptation to the big screen is part of a broader strategy involving Gulf investments in Hollywood. Qatar has been increasingly active in the film industry, financing projects and positioning itself as a filmmaking hub. This collaboration underscores the intersection of celebrity, strategic investment, and creative vision in the evolving global cinema landscape.
Qatar’s investment in Hollywood includes a $150 million stake in Peter Chernin’s production company and the release of Guy Ritchie’s Operation Fortune. The nation’s ambitions align with Craig’s Othello project, potentially leading to a significant cultural exchange. As Craig moves forward, his visit to the region could further cement these ties, blending his creative vision with Qatar’s strategic goals in global entertainment.
What does this mean for Bond 26?
With Broccoli dedicating time to Craig’s Othello project, questions must arise about her priorities right now and her involvement in Othello suggest that Bond 26 is not her main focus. As such, fans may have to wait longer for the next instalment, as Broccoli balances her commitments to both projects.
Source: Semafor
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