Release Date Set for Joss Whedon’s Big Screen Adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing

Joss Whedon's indie adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing will hit the big screen beginning June 7, 2013, according to Deadline.com. Released by Roadside Attractios and Lionsgate, The Avengers director's take on the Shakespeare classic will play in five select markets before expanding to several more on June 21. Much Ado is the first feature film from Whedon and Kai Cole’s micro-studio for independent works, Bellwether.

Whedon’s Much Ado is a contemporary version of the Shakespeare classic, telling the story of a young couple scheming to set up their perpetually single friends. The low budget adaptation stars former Angel cast members Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof as Beatrice and Benedick, respectively. The cast also features Nathan Fillion as Dogberry, Fran Kranz as Claudio, Jillian Morgese as Hero, Sean Maher as Don John, Clark Gregg as Leonato and Reed Diamond as Don Pedro.

The black and white adaptation of the Bard romance was shot in 12 days at Whedon’s home in Santa Monica, CA. The flick made a huge splash at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it premiered in September.

Much Ado About Nothing has been adapted for the screen several times including a 1993 film starring Kenneth Branagh (who also directed), Kate Beckinsale, Denzel Washinton, Imelda Staunton, Emma Thompson and Keanu Reeves. The play appeared on Broadway most recently in a 1985 production that earned Derek Jacobi a Tony Award for Best Actor.