Al Pacino to play King Lear

Al Pacino is set to play King Lear.

The Hollywood legend is set to team up with writer-and-director Michael Radford who has adapted the classic play by William Shakespeare for the big screen.

The pair previously worked together on 'The Merchant Of Venice' - another Shakespeare play - in 2004.

Producer Barry Navidi said: "Al has been offered this role many times over the years, but didn't feel ready. But Michael has come up with the most brilliant adaptation and Al and I have flipped for it.

"The film will be true to its period, very similar to the classical look of 'Merchant Of Venice'. "

The original play was written between 1603 and 1606 and is considered to be one of Shakespeare's greatest works.

It follows ageing monarch Lear as he decides who will be his successor by dividing his realm among his three daughters, offering the largest share to the one who loves him the most.

Shooting is set to start in Europe in late 2009.