Will (2017)
A bold, punk-infused reimagining of young William Shakespeare's turbulent rise through London's dangerous and electrifying Elizabethan theater world.
Will - Series Information
- Original Title: Will
- First Air Year: 2017
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Created by: Craig Pearce
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-MA
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (60 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 10
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: July 10, 2017 (United States - TV-MA), July 10, 2017 (Germany - 16), July 10, 2017 (France - 18), July 10, 2017 (Spain - 12)
- Networks: TNT
- Alternative Titles: 莎翁前传 (CN)
- Production Companies: Sir Weighty Tomes, Turner Network Television, Monumental Television
- Production Countries: United States of America, United Kingdom
Will - Plot
The wild story of young William Shakespeare's arrival onto the punk-rock theater scene in 16th century London -- the seductive, violent world where his raw talent faced rioting audiences, religious fanatics and raucous side-shows. It's a contemporary version of Shakespeare's life, played to a modern soundtrack that exposes all his recklessness, lustful temptations and brilliance.
Will - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at Shakespeare's wild London adventure:
Where to Watch Will
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Will - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Craig Pearce
Main Cast
- Laurie Davidson
- Olivia DeJonge
- Ewen Bremner
- Mattias Inwood
- Jamie Campbell Bower
- William Houston
- Colm Meaney
- Geoffrey Freshwater
- Jamie Beamish
- Cristian Valle
Writers
- Craig Pearce
- Jacquelin Perske
- Mark Steilen
- Corinne Marrinan
- David Rambo
Executive Producers
- Howard Braunstein
- Debra Hayward
- Vince Gerardis
- Shekhar Kapur
- Alison Owen
Will - FAQs
How historically accurate is Will compared to Shakespeare's real life?
Will takes significant creative liberties with Shakespeare's biography. The show imagines his early London years as a punk-infused adventure, blending documented figures like Christopher Marlowe and James Burbage with invented storylines. It's best enjoyed as inspired historical fiction rather than a faithful biographical account.
Why was Will cancelled after one season on TNT?
TNT cancelled Will after its debut season in 2017, citing low viewership ratings. Despite its bold visual style and modern soundtrack, the show struggled to attract a wide enough audience to justify renewal. It remains a single, self-contained season of 10 episodes.
Where can you stream or watch Will online?
Will is available to stream on YouTube TV and TNT. If you prefer to own it, episodes can be purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Free viewing is also available through Spectrum On Demand.
What makes Will's punk-rock approach to Shakespeare unique?
Will sets Shakespeare's early career against a modern rock soundtrack, treating Elizabethan London like a gritty, anarchic music scene. Riots, religious persecution, and theatrical rivalry are framed with the energy of a punk concert, giving the period drama a visceral, contemporary edge rarely seen in historical television.
Who plays William Shakespeare in the series Will?
British actor Laurie Davidson plays the young William Shakespeare. Davidson portrays the future playwright as a raw, ambitious outsider navigating London's dangerous theatrical underworld. The role was Davidson's major television breakthrough, earning him attention for his charismatic and emotionally layered performance.
Who created the TV series Will?
Will was created by Craig Pearce, the Australian screenwriter best known for his long-standing collaboration with director Baz Luhrmann on films like Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby. Pearce brought a similarly flamboyant, anachronistic sensibility to this reimagining of Shakespeare's formative years.
How was Will received by critics when it aired?
Critical reception for Will was mixed. Reviewers praised its visual ambition, energetic pacing, and Laurie Davidson's lead performance, but some found the anachronistic style inconsistent. The show was admired for its boldness while drawing comparisons to similarly stylized historical dramas like Reign and The Tudors.
What are some shows similar to Will worth watching?
Fans of Will may enjoy The Spanish Princess for its vivid period drama, or My Lady Jane for its playful anachronistic take on history. Mr. Robot offers a similarly rebellious, stylized energy in a modern setting, while Miracle Workers provides offbeat historical comedy for those who enjoyed Will's irreverent tone.
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