Branagh pulls out of Law's 'Hamlet'

Kenneth Branagh has been forced to withdraw from directing Hamlet in the West End.

Jude Law will now act under the guidance of Michael Grandage, the artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse.

According to the BBC, Branagh's commitment to the film Thor is behind his withdrawal.

"We have arrived at this arrangement very amicably," said Grandage, who added that Hamlet will open as scheduled in June 2009.

"I feel privileged to be part of the Donmar West End season and to be directed by the company's artistic director Michael Grandage," Law added.