Stars align for Mirren's 'Tempest'

Across The Universe director Julie Taymor has assembled the cast for her adaptation of William Shakespeare's The Tempest.

In a twist on the original play, the role of Prospero will switch genders and become Prospera, with Helen Mirren playing the part.

The cast also includes Jeremy Irons as Alonso, the King of Naples; Djimon Hounsou as deformed slave Caliban; Russell Brand as jester Trinculo; Alfred Molina as butler Stephano; Ben Wishaw as spirit Ariel and Felicity Jones as Prospera's daughter Miranda.

The original story concerns the exiled Duke of Milan, who has spent 12 years on an island after being deposed by his brother Alonso.

Geoffrey Rush is in negotiations to play Gonzalo, an advisor and aid to Prospera.