Boss Becomes King in Lear Remake

Patrick Stewart's (Picard) epic Western remake of classic Shakespearian work, 'King Lear', has been given funding by TNT to the tune of $11 million.

'King of Texas', originally thought to be entitled 'Boss Lear', will see Stewart portraying King Lear as a powerful ranch owner during a Mexican revolt in the 1840's. Stewart originally had the idea some two years ago, but nothing became of it until he explained it to Robert Halmi Sr., then working with Stewart on another TNT production, 'A Christmas Carol'. Halmi then brought in writer Stephen Harrigan, who's also something of a Texan historian, who came up with a workable adaptation.

Since then, Stewart has recruited veteran Uli Edel to direct the production, which is set to start shooting April 19th in Mexico after Stewart's current project, 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' in Minneapolis winds down. Cast so far are Marcia Gay Harden (Regan), Lauren Holly (Goneril), Julie Cox (Cordelia), Roy Scheider (Gloucester) and David Alan Grier (the Fool).

Through his 'Flying Freehold Productions' company, Stewart will share co-producer credits with wife, Voyager producer Wendy Neuss, and Robert Halmi Sr. No air date has been accounted as of yet, but the telemovie is expected to air on TNT sometime in late 2001 or early 2002. More information can be found in this Variety report.

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