The story of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has been told and retold, but never quite like this. In 2012, writer and artist Ronald Wimberly re-envisioned the classic tale of doomed romance as Prince of Cats, a graphic novel from DC Comics/Verthat transplants the story to the ’80s hip-hop scene in Brooklyn. Now, Prince of Cats is going to become a movie with Lakeith Stanfield in the leading role.

Via Deadline, Legendary Pictures lined up the feature film rights for Prince of Cats, with Selwyn Seyfu Hinds attached to adapt the project. Stanfield’s participation is very timely, considering the critical response to his latest starring role in Sorry to Bother You and his continuing part in FX’s Atlanta. Stanfield’s previous film credits include Death Note, Get Out, and War Machine.

As part of Wimberly’s reinvention of Romeo and Juliet, Stanfield will likely portray Tybalt in the new adaptation. The story unfolds from Tybalt’s perspective as his Capulet crew makes their way through Brooklyn’s violent underground while literally dueling with their rivals, the Montagues. So, there won’t be any shortage of sword fights in this adaptation, which will also explore Brooklyn’s “vibrant music scene.”

Prince of Cats doesn’t currently have a release date or a distributor, but we’re eager to see its potential brought to life on the big screen.

What do you think about Stanfield taking the leading role in the Prince of Cats movie? Who would you cast alongside him? Share your picks in the comment section below!

Images: Vertigo

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