Hamlet got made in 2000 with Ethan Hawke, in 1990 with Mel Gibson, and in 1996 with Kenneth Branagh, so why not, let’s make another one.  With Emile Hirsch and Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke.

Ron Nyswaner, best known for penning Oscar winner “Philadelphia,” will write the script. The new “Hamlet” will center on similar themes as the original play but will be set in contemporary America. In the new version, a young man must decide whether to kill his uncle to avenge the death of his father. [THR]

Says Hardwicke, “I had a great time working with Emile on Lords of Dogtown, so when he suggested Hamlet, I was intrigued. We read the play aloud and when I heard Emile speaking Shakespeare’s amazing words, I was flooded with images. We edited the play tightly, making the words extremely accessible. In our version, we’re working hard to make Hamlet a thrilling cinematic experience – the violent, intense, and romantic scenes that happen ‘off-stage’ in the play will be shown in vivid detail.” [/Film]

To wank dismissively or not to wank… ’tis not even a question.