Richard III (2007)
Shakespeare's scheming antihero reborn in modern Hollywood — ambition, betrayal, and crime collide in this bold contemporary retelling.
Richard III - Movie Information
Richard III - Plot
Modern-day retelling of William Shakespeare's Richard III set in contemporary Hollywood.
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Richard III - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Scott Anderson
Main Cast
- David Carradine
- Sally Kirkland
- María Conchita Alonso
- Scott Anderson
- Richard Tyson
- Daniela Melgoza
- Sung-Hi Lee
- Natalie Burn
- Marco Sanchez
- Mike Muscat
Writers
- Scott Anderson
Producers
- Scott Anderson
Richard III - FAQs
Is Richard III (2007) based on a true story?
It's based on Shakespeare's play rather than strict history, though Shakespeare's Richard III was itself inspired by the real English king. This 2007 version transplants that story into contemporary Hollywood, so it's more of a creative reimagining than a historical account.
Who are the main actors in Richard III?
The cast includes David Carradine as Buckingham, Sally Kirkland as Queen Margaret, María Conchita Alonso as Queen Elizabeth, and director Scott Anderson himself as Richard III. Richard Tyson, Daniela Melgoza, Sung-Hi Lee, Natalie Burn, Marco Sanchez, and Danny Trejo also appear.
What is Richard III (2007) about?
This film reimagines Shakespeare's Richard III in modern-day Hollywood, following a ruthlessly ambitious man who schemes, manipulates, and eliminates anyone standing between him and ultimate power. The classic themes of betrayal, corruption, and unchecked ambition are filtered through a contemporary crime-drama lens.
How does the Hollywood setting change Shakespeare's story?
Transplanting the story to Hollywood swaps medieval court intrigue for the cutthroat world of modern power and celebrity. The scheming for a throne becomes a ruthless climb through contemporary hierarchies, making Richard's manipulation and ambition feel strikingly relevant and immediate rather than distant history.
Who directed Richard III (2007)?
Scott Anderson directed the film and also wrote the screenplay, produced it, and took on the lead role of Richard III himself. It's a remarkably personal project — a true one-man creative vision that puts Anderson at the center of every aspect of the production.
What genre is Richard III (2007)?
The film blends Drama, Action, and Crime into a Shakespeare-inspired story set in the modern world. It's a genre-crossing adaptation that brings the political scheming and violence of the original play into a grittier, more contemporary cinematic framework.
When was Richard III (2007) released?
Richard III was released on June 13, 2007. The film came out during a period of renewed interest in modern Shakespeare adaptations, following in the footsteps of other contemporary retellings that updated the Bard's work for new audiences and settings.
What are similar movies to Richard III (2007)?
If you enjoy Richard III, you might also like 47 Bombs (2021), Hidden Man (2018), The Major (2013), Special ID (2013), or Agneepath (1990). These films share similar themes of ambition, crime, and power struggles that resonate with the spirit of this adaptation.
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