Former James Bond producer’s first project post-007 revealed – and it’s starring Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo

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Barbara Broccoli, who previously produced the James Bond films, has announced her next project will be a movie based on Shakespeare’s play, Othello.

According to Deadline, Broccoli revealed the news at Industry Days in Qatar, an event held by Media City Qatar’s Film Committee alongside the Doha Film Institute.

Filming for the movie is taking place in the Gulf region, with funding coming from Qatar. Barbara Broccoli is producing the film with Nicky Bentham and David Oyelowo, who will also play the lead role.

Oyelowo first portrayed Othello in a 2016 stage production directed by Broccoli, which reimagined the classic play as taking place in an American army barracks in Iraq.

David Oyelowo will star in the film, and Rachel Brosnahan, known for her role as Superman’s Lois Lane, will play Desdemona, Othello’s wife. Brosnahan previously played the same role in a stage production of the play.

Broccoli also announced that Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in “Wicked,” will play Emilia in the upcoming adaptation. In the story, Emilia is Desdemona’s maid and the wife of Iago, the villain.

The casting for one of Shakespeare’s most iconic villains, Iago, has yet to be confirmed.

This announcement follows news from earlier this year that Barbara Broccoli and her brother, Michael G. Wilson, are stepping back from leading the creative direction of the James Bond films. Amazon MGM Studios will now be fully responsible for the franchise’s creative output.

Broccoli explained in a statement that his life’s work has been focused on preserving and expanding the incredible foundation built by his father, legendary producer Cubby Broccoli, and passed down to him and Michael.

I’ve been fortunate enough to work with four of the actors who’ve portrayed James Bond, as well as countless other talented people in the film industry.

Now that Daniel Craig has finished his run as James Bond with ‘No Time to Die,’ I’m ready to dedicate my time to other work.

Producer Cubby Broccoli had been involved with the Bond film franchise since its inception.

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2025-11-23 14:04