Riz Ahmed in Talks to Play Hamlet in Netflix's New Adaptation

Riz Ahmed ("The Night Of") might've found his latest big role in one of Shakespeare's most beloved tragedies. The critically acclaimed actor is in talks with Netflix to play the titular character in a new take on "Hamlet." According to THR, Michael Lesslie ("Assassin's Creed") is set to pen the adaptation, which will be set in modern-day London amidst the country's current economic and political turmoil. The project will be the second Shakespeare adaptation Lesslie has penned, following his take on "Macbeth," starring Michael Fassbender ("Prometheus") and Marion Cotillard ("Assassin's Creed"). James Wilson ("Under The Skin") will produce.

The drama is a good fit for Ahmed, who captured audiences with his role in HBO's "The Night Of." Ahmed made headlines just last month when he earned an Emmy for the role, becoming the first South Asian actor to win an Emmy for best lead actor. He's popularly known for his role as Bodhi Rook in "Star Wars" prequel "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." The rising star will be seen next in Spider-man spinoff "Venom" opposite Tom Hardy ("Mad Max: Fury Road") and a film adaptation of Patrick DeWitt's novel "The Sisters Brothers."

"Hamlet" is a quintessential tale in the theater world; Oscar Isaac ("Star Wars: The Force Awakens") just recently played Hamlet last at New York's Public Theater to critical acclaim. Hollywood has also frequently paid tribute to Shakespeare's tragedy. Kenneth Branagh ("Dunkirk"), Ethan Hawke ("Boyhood") and Mel Gibson ("Hacksaw Ridge") have all played the doomed Danish prince for the silver screen.

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