The 'James Bond' producer and Bentham are leading the project for EON Productions, with Oyelowo producing for Yoruba Saxon, in collaboration with Katara Studios, which is co-financing the film.
Eon Productions and the newly established Film Committee at Media City Qatar have announced that production on a new film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Othello will begin in Doha in autumn 2026. The project is based on the acclaimed New York Theatre Workshop staging directed by Sam Gold, with David Oyelowo returning to lead the film as Othello while also serving as director.
Oyelowo, known for Selma and Lawmen: Bass Reeves, will be joined by Rachel Brosnahan, who reprises her role as Desdemona following her performance in the original stage production. Cynthia Erivo, acclaimed for her work in Wicked and Harriet, joins the cast as Emilia.
Barbara Broccoli said: “I’ve wanted to produce the cinematic adaptation of Othello since we staged the production in New York in 2016. I’m incredibly excited that David Oyelowo will be directing and returning as Othello, Rachel Brosnahan will be reprising the role of Desdemona and Cynthia Erivo is playing Emilia. We thank the Film Committee for their support and look forward to shooting in Qatar in Autumn 2026.”
David Oyelowo commented: “Our cinematic version of Othello is bitingly modern and fearlessly ambitious. To have a real shot at that, you need fearless actors. Cynthia is not only a generational talent but a dear friend with whom I am always keen to collaborate, and Rachel was a dream to play opposite in our original stage production and has been an inspiring pillar to build around for our fresh take on this legendary tale.”
The screenplay reimagines Shakespeare’s text in a modern conflict zone, and the film will be produced by Broccoli and Nicky Bentham for Eon Productions, alongside Oyelowo for Yoruba Saxon. The project will also benefit from the newly launched Qatar Screen Production Incentive (QSPI) Programme.
Additional casting, crew announcements and location details will be revealed at a later stage.
