Already at a young age, Kodi Smit-McPhee has an eye for interesting, complex material. The actor first broke out starring alongside Viggo Mortensen in John Hillcoat‘s grim “The Road,” and last year he shone in Matt Reeves‘ “Let Me In” as vulnerable Owen who discovers his beautiful neighbour played by Chloe Moretz, is also a vampire. Not to mention, he’s also got a part in Ari Folman‘s upcoming sci-fi/animation hybrid “The Congress.” Well the young thesp is set to stand opposite another up-and-coming actress in his next film.
Variety reports that early talks are underway for Smit-McPhee to join Hailee Steinfeld in “Romeo & Juliet” as Benvolio, Romeo’s cousin, who tries to temper the beef between Mercutio and Tybalt. This latest incarnation will be directed by Carlo Carlie, and already has Holly Hunter and Ed Westwick on board as The Nurse and Tybalt respectively, with Steinfeld taking the lead as Juliet.
The Brit tabloids have been tiring themselves out recently over rumors that the script calls for nude scenes between the two star-crossed lovers, leading to them to breathlessly declare that Steinfeld might be nude. Of course, if there are such scenes, we’d imagine it will be body doubles being used so let’s not get ourselves twisted up in a knot shall we?
Filming will start this summer in Italy with more casting to come.