Hirsch leading modern-day 'Hamlet' cast

Emile Hirsch will play Hamlet in Catherine Hardwicke's retelling of William Shakespeare's classic tragedy, Overture Films has announced.

The story, to be adapted by Ron Nyswaner (Philadelphia), will move the action from Denmark to modern-day America. Stepping into a role previously played by Mel Gibson and Kenneth Branagh on the big screen, Hirsch will portray a young man plotting revenge on his father's killer.

Producers Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen said: "This project was the brainchild of Emile Hirsch, who we had the pleasure of working with on Milk. Hamlet was in college when the story takes place, yet there hasn't been a movie version with an appropriately-aged actor playing the role. Our goal is to present the story as a suspense thriller."

Twilight director Hardwicke added that she is looking forward to reuniting with her Lords Of Dogtown star Hirsch.

"When he suggested Hamlet, I was intrigued," she commented. "We read the play aloud and when I heard Emile speaking Shakespeare's amazing words, I was flooded with images."

Hamlet is expected to go into production later this year.