The thing about Shakespeare is that while his plays are unmatched in terms of literary genius, they aren't exactly great foundations for modern adaptation. Sure, we've gotten some neat, if not completely forgettable experiments like O and Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet as well as more traditional screen representations of Hamlet and some of the other classics. But none of these have ever been held in the same high regard as the original works they came from.

Fiennes wants to change that by taking on the hefty task of adapting Shakespeare's Roman tragedy, Coriolanus. Fiennes is already set to star as the title character legendary Roman leader Gaius Martius Coriolanus, and now according to THR, Gerard Butler has signed on to play Tullus Aufidius, commander of the Volscian army. The adaptation is being billed as a "modern" take on the tragedy. Fiennes will also direct.

I believe in Fiennes as an actor enough to have faith in his ability to adapt this play. Most filmmakers who take on Shakespeare's work falter in trying to stick too closely to it. But Shakespeare's genius was just as much in his ability to structure as his ability to write dialogue. If Fiennes wants to be succeed, then he'll use Shakespeare's frame and make the rest his own. Maybe then old Bill S. can finally get the film he deserves.