Marlon Brando Wooed For Part In Updated ‘Romeo And Juliet’

Marlon Brando could be returning to Shakespeare for the first time since playing Mark Antony in Joseph Mankiewicz’s 1953 “Julius Caesar.” Industry sources said Brando is in advanced talks to play Friar Laurence in 20th Century Fox’s updated version of “Romeo and Juliet.”

While representatives for Brando could not be reached and a Fox spokesman did not return calls last week, sources confirmed that “telephone conversations and written correspondence have taken place.” No details were available about Brando’s payment for the film or his eventual shooting schedule.

The film, written by Baz Luhrmann and Craig Pearce and directed by Luhrmann (“Ballroom Dancing”), starts shooting Jan. 8 in Mexico, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Clare Danes as the doomed lovers. John Leguizamo also appears in the cast.

Initially, Peter O’Toole had been mentioned for the role of Friar Laurence. It could not be ascertained at press time if he is still involved with the project, though that would seem unlikely given Brando’s interest.

The film would be Brando’s first following “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” which recently wrapped shooting after switching directors in mid-course. His other recent work includes “Don Juan DeMarco” and “Christopher Columbus: The Discovery.”

Brando also had been set to star with his “Don Juan” co-star Johnny Depp in “Divine Rapture” until financing fell apart on that film after shooting had begun in Ireland.