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When filmmaker Joss Whedon decided to take on Shakespeare for Much Ado About Nothing, now out on Blu-ray/DVD, the result was a contemporary and charming spin that was shot in just 12 days, in and around his house. The story of sparring lovers Beatrice (Amy Acker) and Benedick (Alexis Denisof) is a series of comic and tragic events that offer a dark, sexy and, at times, absurd view of the game of love. The film also stars Clark Gregg, Nathan Fillion, Fran Kranz, Sean Maher, Reed Diamond, Tom Lenk and Jillian Morgese. During this recent exclusive phone interview with Collider, to promote the film’s release on Blu-ray, DVD and digital, actress Amy Acker talked about how surprised and excited she was about the reaction to the film, how nervous she was about her first meeting with Joss Whedon, back when she auditioned for Angel, that he still has the...

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Moviefone's Top DVD of the Week:

"Much Ado About Nothing"

What's It About? Joss Whedon's ("The Avengers") modern retelling of the Shakespeare classic follows two couples with different takes on romance. Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Beatrice (Amy Acker) are older and disdainful of their love, while the sweet young Claudio (Fran Kranz) and Hero (Jillian Morgese) are deeply absorbed by their love.

Why We're In: Whedon's "Much Ado About Nothing" is a refreshing and charming take on the classic comedy for its unique blending of the Shakespearian dialogue with a contemporary setting and aesthetic. While it sticks to the original content and doesn't add anything wholly revolutionary, it's nonetheless an entertaining addition to the canon of Shakespeare film adaptations.

Rt & Follow to win @JossWhedon's #MuchAdo About Nothing on Blu-ray! @MuchAdoFilm arrives in stores on 10/8! Rules: http://t.co/QjgiJGpzN5

- moviefone (@moviefone) October 7, 2013 Moviefone's Top Blu-ray of...

To some, Joss Whedon doing Shakespeare is as random a notion as Michael Bay directing a Chekhov play. Whedon, known for his outstanding work on television shows and films such as Firefly, Dollhouse, The Avengers, and Serenity, seems like one of the last people who would suddenly slip over into the realm of the Bard’s classic repertoire of plays, but lo and behold, even with his extremely busy schedule on The Avengers, Whedon took 12 days to put together a modernized telling of Much Ado About Nothing, using his own house, a group of friends, a limited budget, and the high hopes that this wouldn’t turn out to be just a silly little home movie.

The story involves a group of soldiers returning from battle led by Don Pedro (Reed Diamond). After his reconciliation with his brother, Don John (Sean Maher), they have decided to stay at the home of a friend,...

★★★★☆ A parade of familiar faces from the television work of Joss Whedon - including the long-running success Buffy the Vampire Slayer, its patchy spin-off Angel, the short-lived Firefly and the controversial Dollhouse - fill out the cast of Whedon's big screen adaptation of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Shot in just two weeks between the completion of principal photography and the start of post-production on Avengers Assemble (2012), Whedon's interpretation of the story is an intimate take on the material, falling somewhere between a screwball comedy and a stylish film noir.

Much Ado concerns the relationships of two distinct couples: the young pair Claudio (Fran Kranz) and Hero (Jillian Morgese) and the sharp-tongued Beatrice (Amy Acker) and Benedick (Alexis Denisof). As the evil Don John (Sean Maher) schemes to keep the former from each other, Beatrice and Benedick wage a "merry war" that consists mostly of putting each other down with the utmost wit.

Avengers Assemble director Joss Whedon's critically acclaimed Shakespearean comedy Much Ado About Nothing (2012) comes to DVD and Blu-ray this coming Monday (7 October), following hot on the heels of his new hit TV series, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. To celebrate the home entertainment release of Much Ado, we have Two DVD copies of Whedon's lovingly crafted passion project to give away to a our loyal readers, courtesy of the team at UK distributor Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment. This is an exclusive competition for our Facebook and Twitter fans, so if you haven't already, 'Like' us at facebook.com/CineVueUK or follow us @CineVue before answering the question below.

When Leonato (Clark Gregg), the Governor of Messina, is visited by his good friend Don Pedro (Reed Diamond), he is accompanied by two of his officers: Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Claudio (Fran Kranz). Claudio falls for Leonato's daughter Hero (Jillian Morgese), while Benedick...

To mark the release of Much ado about nothing on DVD and Blu-ray on the 7th October we’ve been given 3 copies to give away on DVD.

Leonato (Clark Gregg – Avengers Assemble; Iron Man), the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don Pedro (Reed Diamond – Moneyball; Good Night & Good Luck), who is returning from a victorious campaign against his rebellious brother Don John (Sean Maher – Serenity; TV’s Firefly). Accompanying Don Pedro are two of his officers: Benedick (Alexis Denisof – Avengers Assemble; TV’s Angel) and Claudio (Fran Kranz – Diary Of A Wimpy Kid; TV’s Dollhouse). While in Messina, Claudio falls for Leonato’s daughter Hero (newcomer Jillian Morgese), and Benedick verbally spars with Beatrice (Amy Acker – The Cabin In The Woods; TV’s Angel; Dollhouse), the governor’s niece. The budding love between Claudio and Hero prompts Don Pedro to arrange, with Leonato, their marriage.

In...

Want to check out Joss Whedon's Much Ado about Nothing, save $5 on your purchase and save the Unicorns? Well then today's your day, champ! Whedon himself tweeted out a promo link that will give you a $5 discount on a pre-order of his modern retelling of a Shakespearean classic. The micro-budget film, completed in just twelve days at his house, stars Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Fran Kranz, Jillian Morgese, Clark Gregg, Tom Lenk, Ashley Johnson, Reed Diamond, Riki Lindhome, Sean Maher and Nathan Fillion. Here is Matt’s review and all our previous coverage which includes clips, posters, and images. Much Ado about Nothing will be released on October 8th, although you must complete your purchase by September 10th to lock in the Unicorn-saving discount. Hit the jump for more. Here's what Whedon Tweeted earlier today: Joss Whedon ‏@josswhedon If you preorder Much Ado About Nothing on @AmazonVideo you will...

Shot at the director’s home over twelve days amidst post-production for The Avengers, Joss Whedon’s modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is soon to be released across cinemas in North America, and thanks to eONE Films, Sound On Sight has 10 double passes to give away to residents of Edmonton, Halifax and Winnipeg.

To Enter:

Simply like us on Facebook and email admin@soundonsight.org with Much Ado About Nothing in the subject headline.

(Don’t forget to tell us which city you live in.)

Good luck everyone!

Synopsis:

Leonato (Clark Gregg), the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don Pedro (Reed Diamond) who is returning from a victorious campaign against his rebellious brother Don John (Sean Maher). Accompanying Don Pedro are two of his officers: Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Claudio (Fran Kranz). While in Messina, Claudio falls for Leonato’s daughter Hero (Jillian Morgese...

So what do you after you direct the third biggest box-office grosser of all time? Well you make your own cinematic take on a centuries old Shakespeare romantic farce. In modern dress. And shoot it in black and white. In your own home. Over twelve days. That’s what the man behind last Summer’s blockbuster behemoth Marvel’S The Avengers, Joss Whedon, has done with Much Ado About Nothing. Over the last few years I ‘ve read interviews with Whedon and several of his cohorts who spoke of leisurely Sunday brunches at his home which would conclude the reading of a Shakespeare playing while enjoying fine wines. Finally Whedon thought the time was right to commit one to film and so he has assembled (kinda’ like those superheroes) actors from all facets of the “Whedon-verse”: TV shows (“Buffy, the Vampire Slayer”,”Angel”,”Firefly”,”Dollhouse”), internet series (“Dr. Horrible...

While it would be presumptuous for me to label any of Shakespeare’s plays his ‘best’ – I have read many of them, and even taken a few classes on the subject, but am certainly not an expert – I can say with confidence that Much Ado About Nothing is my favorite. While many of Shakespeare’s comedies require extensive notes and annotations to understand the humor – pun sources, word plays, and cultural jokes do not tend to survive 500 years historical distance – Much Ado has barely aged a day. Even on the page, I find it consistently laugh-out-loud funny, often hysterically so, because nearly all the humor stems organically from some of the most clearly defined and richly realized characters across all of Shakespeare’s texts. The plot – that of rumors, both malicious and well-intended, leading to romantic harmony and betrayal – is a fun one, but mostly secondary to the main attraction...

Joss Whedon goes from superheroes to Shakespeare with Much Ado About Nothing

Marvel's The Avengers is the third highest grossing movie of all time. Pulling in over $623 million at the domestic box office, it was lauded by critics and fans alike, and it appealed to every demographic across the board. Joss Whedon stuck the landing, as they say, creating one of the greatest superhero movies in the history of the genre. That's a hard act to follow for anyone. Where do you go from directing one of the most popular summer movies of all time?

Some might have tried to follow it up with another blockbuster in the same vein. Others would have tried to go the indie route or down Oscar Avenue, seeking artistic integrity and Academy gold. Few would have succeeded, most would have failed completely. None could have ever possibly lived up to the hype. Joss, on the other hand,...

Joss Whedon's micro-budget adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing is released in the UK today, and reunites former Angel co-stars Alexis Denisof and Amy Acker.

Digital Spy sat down with Denisof and Acker earlier this week to get the lowdown on their roles as sharp-tongued, star-crossed lovers Beatrice and Benedick.

The pair discussed Whedon's now-legendary tradition of organising Shakespeare readings for his actors over brunch, and revealed what Shakespearean role they'd most like to tackle next.

Clark Gregg, Jillian Morgese, Fran Kranz, Sean Maher, Nathan Fillion and Reed Diamond also star in Much Ado About Nothing, which was filmed in 12 days at Whedon's house in California.

> Joss Whedon: 20 greatest moments from 'Buffy', 'Firefly', more

> Joss Whedon's 'Much Ado' actors: Where you know them from

The film is out now in the UK, and will be released nationwide in the Us next Friday (June...

Following a record-breaking release in the Us last weekend, Joss Whedon’s masterful adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing arrives on our shores today. And if you’re heading out to the cinema over the weekend, make sure you see this film, because it is a true work of art.

The film reunites Whedon with a lot of his past collaborators, with Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof leading the cast as Beatrice and Benedick; Fran Kranz as Hero opposite Jillian Morgese as Hero; Clark Gregg as Leonardo; Sean Maher as the villainous Don John; and Tom Lenk and Nathan Fillion as the comedy duo of Verges and Dogberry.

I was fortunate enough to be at the film’s world premiere out at the Toronto International Film Festival last year – you can read our five-star review here – and was even more lucky enough to sit down with Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof...

Feature Laura Akers 14 Jun 2013 - 07:00

Laura considers the cultural impact of Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing, in UK cinemas from today...

Silly as we feel writing this about a 400 year old story, this feature contains Much Ado About Nothing spoilers.

On May 16, the Seattle International Film Festival (Siff) opened with a showing of Joss Whedon’s Much Ado about Nothing, with Whedon, and stars Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Clark Gregg, and Nathan Fillion in attendance, giving me - both as fan of Whedon’s work and Shakespearean academic - a chance to talk to them about this labour of love.

Much Ado about Nothing is easily one of Shakespeare’s most accessible and enjoyable plays, and Whedon, who used to host Shakespearean read-throughs at his home with various actors and friends from the Whedonverse, has done some really wonderful things with it.

The play, set in Messina,...

Director: Joss Whedon; Screenwriter William Shakespeare, Joss Whedon; Starring: Alexis Denisof, Amy Acker, Clark Gregg, Fran Kranz, Reed Diamond, Sean Maher, Nathan Fillion; Running time: 107 mins; Certificate: 12A

It's no coincidence that when Joss Whedon finally decided to commit a Shakespeare adaptation to screen - having been organising private readings of the Bard's works as a hobby for more than a decade - it was Much Ado About Nothing that he chose. Not only is the text accessible; light on verse and heavy on pitter-patter prose, but it contains one of Shakespeare's most overtly feminist speeches. "That I were a man, I would eat his heart out in the marketplace," spits sworn bachelorette Beatrice (Amy Acker), after her cousin Hero (Jillian Morgese) is wronged by her fiancé.

Whedon made his name by taking a tired and oppressive archetype - the tiny, helpless blonde girl doomed in the alleyway - and...

★★★★☆ After delivering a barnstorming superhero flick with Avengers Assemble (2012), Joss Whedon took the curious decision to adapt William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, filming in his own Los Angeles home under tight budgetary restrictions and time constraints. By supplanting his celebrated dialogue with that of the greatest wordsmith of them all, Whedon could have easily set himself up for a fall, but the director shows himself to be an arch and intuitive interpreter of the Bard, his film playing like a younger, scrappier descendant of Kenneth Branagh's definitive 1993 version of the same play.

One of the great Shakespeare comedies, Much Ado About Nothing opens with Don Pedro (Reed Diamond), the Prince of Aragon, with his followers Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Claudio (Fran Kranz), visiting Leonato (Clark Gregg), the Duke of Messina, father of Hero (Jillian Morgese) and uncle to Beatrice (Amy Acker). While Claudio and Hero immediately fall...

Hey nonny nonny! There's a new film adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing, and it premiered in London last night, with stars Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof in attendance and director Joss Whedon on hand. They got moral support from Ripper himself, Anthony Head, and former Avengers villain (but nice bloke really) Tom Hiddleston. The film is, of course, Joss Whedon's summer holiday work, shot after The Avengers as a bit of a palate-cleanser. An adaptation of the Shakespearean comedy, it sees Beatrice (Acker) and Benedick (Denisof) reluctantly fall in love despite their determination to fight with one another instead. Their romance, however, is threatened when Benedick's friend Claudio (Fran Kranz) scuppers his engagement to Beatrice's cousin Hero (Jillian Morgese).Much Ado About Nothing is out this Friday, offering a Man Of Steel alternative to die-hard Marvel fans as well as Shakespearean nuts.  brightcove.createExperiences();...

When Shakespeare meets Joss Whedon for Much Ado About Nothing, the result is a contemporary spin that was shot in just 12 days in his house. The story of sparring lovers Beatrice (Amy Acker) and Benedick (Alexis Denisof) is a series of comic and tragic events that offer a dark, sexy and, at times, absurd view of the game of love. The film also stars Clark Gregg, Nathan Fillion, Fran Kranz, Sean Maher, Reed Diamond, Tom Lenk and Jillian Morgese. During this press conference at the film’s press day, co-stars Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Nathan Fillion and Clark Gregg joined Joss Whedon to talk about why Much Ado About Nothing out of all of Shakespeare’s plays, the advantages of doing this in black and white, delivering Shakespeare dialogue versus Whedon dialogue, why Shakespeare is relevant to today’s audiences, the rehearsal process, deciding how much of the original text to trim,...

Shakespeare’s classic comedy is given a contemporary spin in Joss Whedon’s film, Much Ado About Nothing. Shot in just 12 days (and using the original text), the story of sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick offers a dark, sexy and occasionally absurd view of the intricate game that is love.

Over the last 400 years, Shakespeare’s plays have continued to intrigue and excite audiences. His plays have been performed in every medium imaginable. There is a quality to his work that continues to evolve beyond the style and structure of plays from that era. “Much Ado About Nothing” is the kind of witty and acerbic comedy that still manages to inform love. The self-doubt, humility and growth that everyone must go through in the pursuit of love is something unchanged in these 400 years.

Much Ado About Nothing opens in St. Louis, Friday, June 21st!

Enter for your chance to receive...

Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing is the culmination of a tradition that has become mythical among Whedonites, whereby Whedon would invite regular collaborators – including Nathan Fillion, James Marsters, Alexis Denisof and Amy Acker – round to his house for Shakespeare readings over brunch.

Filmed in just 12 days in between The Avengers' end of production and beginning of post-production, Much Ado stars Denisof and Acker as sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick, and has already enjoyed a strong box office opening in the Us.

Digital Spy sat down with Whedon to discuss romantic comedies, reuniting Angel stars Denisof and Acker, and what Shakespeare play he'd like to tackle next.

Watch more extracts from our interview with Whedon, in which he discusses The Avengers 2, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Star Wars.

Much Ado About Nothing also stars Nathan Fillion, Sean Maher, Clark Gregg, Reed Diamond, Fran Kranz, Jillian Morgese and Tom Lenk.

It can happen to you! It really, really can!

"Much Ado About Nothing" star Jillian Morgese is now living proof that a young, burgeoning actress can totally be discovered in some random cafe one day, as they sometimes say.

Of course, in her case, it was during extras filming for a cafe scene in "The Avengers" which earned her top billing — albeit in indie price-age — for Joss Whedon's latest film.

As detailed by BuzzFeed, Morgese served as a simple scene extra on Whedon's big superhero actioner, instructed simply to "look back at the destruction and give up on [her] life."

But as the saying goes, there are no small roles, and Morgese stepped up and capitalized on what screen-time she'd been given and took up her opportunities to chat up Whedon during his precious off-time.

That very precociousness paid off in the end because he later rang her up, asked...

Geek icon Joss Whedon’s adaption of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing hits cinemas on 14 June, and we’ve got a pair of tickets to give away to the London premiere on 11 June with the director and cast in attendance! That’s right – you can get to see the film alongside Whedon himself, plus the two leads (and Buffy The Vampire Slayer-alumni) Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof!

You Must be free to attend the premiere on Tuesday 11th June to enter this competition.

In the late summer of 2011, Joss Whedon completed principal photography on Marvel’s Avengers Assemble. Upon his return to Los Angeles Joss was contractually obligated to take a week off before beginning his director’s cut of the film. Rather than travel to an exotic location, or disconnect from the world and unwind, Joss chose to make a completely different kind of film. A film...

Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing is absolutely a must-see movie of the year, which deserves every ounce of the critical praise it has been receiving since its Tiff debut last year – you can read our five-star review here.

The film begins its limited release in the Us today, ahead of opening in the UK next weekend, and opening wider in the Us the following weekend. And a great new clip from the film has been released online, in which we get to see a battle of wits between Amy Acker’s Beatrice and Alexis Denisof’s Benedick.

Leonato (Clark Gregg), the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don Pedro (Reed Diamond), who is returning from a victorious campaign against his rebellious brother Don John (Sean Maher). Accompanying Don Pedro are two of his officers: Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Claudio (Fran Kranz). While in Messina, Claudio falls...

Filmmaker and Comic-Con mega-star Joss Whedon follows up his superhero extravaganza The Avengers with a classic ensemble tale every bit as entertaining. Whedon reunites with actors Clark Gregg (The Avengers as well as other Marvel Studios movies) and Nathan Fillion (the sci-fi series Firefly as well as its movie spinoff Serenity) for a contemporary take on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, a comic romance set in the Sicilian city of Messina. Amy Acker (Angel, Dollhouse), perfect as the razor sharp heroine Beatrice, and Alexis Denisof (Angel, Buffy, Dollhouse, The Avengers), as Benedick, Much Ado’s male hero and adversary to Beatrice, are the standout leads of Whedon’s stock company. Fran Kranz joins the fun as Benedick’s lovesick bud Claudio who declares his love for the pretty Hero (Jillian Morgese), daughter of Messina’s...

There’s no denying that May 2013 has been an incredible month for moviegoers, with Iron Man 3 becoming the first film to gross a billion dollars at the global box office this year, The Great Gatsby reaching $100m. in two weeks in the Us alone, and Fast and Furious 6 and The Hangover Part III topping the biggest Memorial Day box office weekend of all time. With so many blockbusters behind us, it’s amazing to think that we’ve still got so many still to look forward to, and so we come once more to our run-down of the top 10 must-see movies of the month, with the June 2013 edition.

And it is a great one.

Much Ado About Nothing – June 7th (Us Limited), June 14th (UK Limited), June 21st and Beyond (Us and UK Expanding)

Joss Whedon’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s play is the single greatest version of the bard’s work I have seen,...

If you didn't get enough of Nathan Fillion in the new trailer for Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, a new clip has been released featuring the actor in Joss Whedon's Much Ado about Nothing. In the modern interpretation of Shakespeare's play, Fillion plays Dogberry, a comically incompetent constable who is tasked with uncovering the sinister plot of Don John (Sean Maher). In this clip, Conrade (Riki Lindhome), one of Don John's followers, calls Dogberry an ass, and the constable responds in a flustered manner. Even though some audiences may have trouble following Shakespeare's language, there's no mistaking the hilarity of Fillion's body language and exaggerated expressions. Hit the jump to check out the clip, and click here to read my review from Tiff. The film also stars Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Fran Kranz, Jillian Morgese, Clark Gregg, Tom Lenk, Ashley Johnson, and Reed Diamond. Much Ado about Nothing opens...

There are two films you need to seek out next month: The first is Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing, and the second is Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel.

Whedon shot the former Shakespeare adaptation in secret in the confines of his own home, and the result is a masterpiece, with a version of Shakespeare’s play unlike any seen before. I was fortunate enough to see the world premiere of Much Ado About Nothing at Tiff last year – you can read our five-star review here – and cannot recommend it enough.

We were recently treated to a brilliant UK trailer. And with its release date just around the corner, we’ve got a great new image to share of Nathan Fillion and Tom Lenk, two of Whedon’s many frequent collaborators, as Dogberry and Verges.

Leonato (Clark Gregg), the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don...

Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing is all but guaranteed to be my favourite film of the year. I was lucky enough to be at its world premiere at Tiff last year – you can read our five-star review here – and instantly fell in love with it.

The first trailer debuted last month, giving the world a brilliant first look at Whedon’s upcoming adaptation. And now Kaleidoscope have released the new UK trailer, giving us a terrific new look at the highly anticipated drama/comedy.

Leonato (Clark Gregg), the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don Pedro (Reed Diamond), who is returning from a victorious campaign against his rebellious brother Don John (Sean Maher). Accompanying Don Pedro are two of his officers: Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Claudio (Fran Kranz). While in Messina, Claudio falls for Leonato’s daughter Hero (Jillian Morgese), and Benedick verbally spars with Beatrice...

Joss Whedon's feature film adaptation of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing has been getting pretty solid reviews. I haven't seen it for myself yet, but I plan on checking it out as soon as I get the chance!

Here's a new UK trailer for the indie movie that been released. Whedon shot the film in less than two weeks while taking a break from making The Avengers.

The movie also has a great cast that includes Clark Gregg (Avengers), Fran Kranz, and Amy Acker (The Cabin in the Woods), along with Nathan Fillion, Alexis Denisof, Jillian Morgese, Sean Maher, and Reed Diamond. Here's the synopsis...

Leonato, the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don Pedro who is returning from a victorious campaign against his rebellious brother Don John. Accompanying Don Pedro are two of his officers: Benedick and Claudio. While in Messina, Claudio falls for Leonato’s daughter Hero,...

Much Ado About Nothing just got another trailer, this one made for the U.K. The newest peek at Joss Whedon’s take on the beloved Shakespeare comedy spotlights the Bard’s wittiest couple, Benedick and Beatrice – much like the first trailer – though here there’s less merry war and more mountains of affection.

To the tune of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Beatrice (Amy Acker) and Benedick (Alexis Denisof) are shown falling for each other – and literally falling down the stairs of Whedon’s house (where the film was made during a 12-day shoot). The trailer gives us more glimpses...

The anticipation surrounding Joss Whedon’s upcoming Much Ado About Nothing is incredibly well deserved. The director has committed to film the best adaptation of Shakespeare’s work to date, and its June release date can’t come fast enough.

I was fortunate enough to be at its world premiere at Tiff last September – you can read our five-star review here – and have been eagerly awaiting its theatrical release ever since.

The brilliant first trailer finally arrived last month. And with its release less than two months away, EW have debuted the new Us poster, following on from the first official poster we saw late last year.

Leonato (Clark Gregg), the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don Pedro (Reed Diamond), who is returning from a victorious campaign against his rebellious brother Don John (Sean Maher). Accompanying Don Pedro are two of his officers: Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and...

Latest poster for Much Ado About Nothing, starring Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof and Nathan Fillion Roadside Attractions distributes the film, also with Fran Kranz, Jillian Morgese, Sean Maher, Reed Diamond, Clark Gregg and Tom Lenk. Joss Whedon (Serenity, Firefly, The Avengers) directs as well as adapting the script based on the play by William Shakespeare. Leonato (Clark Gregg), the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don Pedro (Reed Diamond) who is returning from a victorious campaign against his rebellious brother Don John (Sean Maher). Accompanying Don Pedro are two of his officers: Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Claudio (Fran Kranz). While in Messina, Claudio falls for Leonato's daughter Hero (Jillian Morgese), while Benedick verbally spars with Beatrice (Amy Acker), the governor's niece. The budding love between Claudio and Hero prompts Don Pedro to arrange with Leonato for a marriage.

Latest poster for Much Ado About Nothing, starring Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof and Nathan Fillion Roadside Attractions distributes the film, also with Fran Kranz, Jillian Morgese, Sean Maher, Reed Diamond, Clark Gregg and Tom Lenk. Joss Whedon (Serenity, Firefly, The Avengers) directs as well as adapting the script based on the play by William Shakespeare. Leonato (Clark Gregg), the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don Pedro (Reed Diamond) who is returning from a victorious campaign against his rebellious brother Don John (Sean Maher). Accompanying Don Pedro are two of his officers: Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Claudio (Fran Kranz). While in Messina, Claudio falls for Leonato's daughter Hero (Jillian Morgese), while Benedick verbally spars with Beatrice (Amy Acker), the governor's niece. The budding love between Claudio and Hero prompts Don Pedro to arrange with Leonato for a marriage.

Joss Whedon brought his version of Shakespeare's classic comedy Much Ado about Nothing to WonderCon in a special presentation.  Much of the cast of the impromptu production joined Whedon on stage in order to screen the recently-released trailer and two exclusive clips from the film.  The panel also shared behind-the-scenes anecdotes about how Whedon recruited them for the film, the experience of contemporizing Shakespeare and just how many of them were drunk during filming (off-screen...of course). Much Ado about Nothing stars Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Fran Kranz, Jillian Morgese, Clark Gregg, Tom Lenk, Ashley Johnson, Reed Diamond, Riki Lindhome, Sean Maher and Nathan Fillion and opens in limited release on June 7th.  Hit the jump for our panel recap. Whedon took the stage to thunderous applause...which was quickly replaced by a room full of disappointed groans once he announced that Fillion would be unable to join the panel.

WonderCon 2013 began its final day this morning with a panel celebrating Joss Whedon's indie Shakespeare adaptation Much Ado About Nothing , which is set to hit theaters June 7 from Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions. Joining Whedon himself on the stage were stars Riki Lindhome, Tom Lenk, Spencer Treat Clark, Sean Maher, Nick Kocher, Clark Gregg, Jillian Morgese, Romy Rosemont and Brian McElhaney, along with cinematographer Jay Hunter. Two key scenes from the production were shown, beginning with the play's Act II, Scene III in Leonato's (Clark Gregg) orchard. The characters are discussing Beatrice's (Amy Acker) wedding plans, but noting that she's secretly in love with Benedick (Alexis Denisof). Benedick, meanwhile, is hiding in the bushes just outside the window and listening in...

Shakespeare, as a high school graduate and English major I knew him. People’s perceptions of him intrigue me. On one hand he is loathed with a passion equal to his brilliance. There is not a ring in hell which meets out as grizzly a punishment as would the high school bully if he could get his hands on the bard. On another he is the beloved word smith. It is fascinating to note, for all of his exceptionally clever rhyme, meter, play on words, etc., at the end of the day his plays were wildly popular; he was the George Lucas of his time.

While I can go round and round about his plays, that’s best left to high school and college English classes. I’m sure something clever and insightful can still be written, but the real joy of Shakespeare, roughly 400 years after his death, is how his plays are interpreted.

SXSW 2013 Film Review

complete coverage of the SXSW Film Festival 2013

Much Ado About Nothing

Director: Joss Whedon

Shakespeare’s classic comedy is given a contemporary spin in Joss Whedon’s film, Much Ado About Nothing.

Cast: Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Nathan Fillion, Fran Kranz, Jillian Morgese

(film synopsis from sxsw.com)

Read Shane T. Nier’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Trailer Review

Overall

During a production break on a little movie called The Avengers, director Joss Whedon secretly shot an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing in his own backyard in 12 days featuring an all-star cast of Whedon regulars. Great, yet another adaptation of a Shakespeare classic converted to a modern time period. This particular reimagining manages to take a familiar story and make it feel fresh utilizing brilliantly timed physical comedy while still maintaining the inherent humor found in much of the original play.

Once you warm up to the language style,...

Joss Whedon has traded superheroes for Shakespeare in the first trailer for his adaptation of "Much Ado About Nothing." Although the "Avengers" director's latest film is remarkably different from his previous work (both in subject matter and budget), it stars a number of actors who have collaborated with him in earlier projects, like "Angel" and "Firefly." Also read: Toronto Film Fest: Joss Whedon's 'Much Ado About Nothing' Goes to Lionsgate Amy Acker ("Angel," "Doll House"), Alexis Denisof ("Angel," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"), Fran Kranz ("The Cabin in the Woods") and newcomer Jillian Morgese lead the...

Credit: Elsa Guillet-Chapuis

Prepare to fall in love with this preview!

Shakespeare’s classic comedy is given a contemporary spin in Joss Whedon’s film, Much Ado About Nothing. Shot in just 12 days (and using the original text), the story of sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick offers a dark, sexy and occasionally absurd view of the intricate game that is love.

Recently, Whedon co-wrote and produced Lionsgate’s horror/thriller feature film Cabin In The Woods, which received enormous critical praise. Whedon then went on to write and direct Marvel’s signature superhero ensemble, The Avengers, which was a breakout success and became one of the highest grossing films of all time. He is currently co-writing, directing and executive producing the pilot to Marvel TV’s television show for ABC, S.H.I.E.L.D.

Leonato (Clark Gregg), the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don Pedro (Reed Diamond) who is returning...

Upon finishing principal photography on The Avengers, filmmaker Joss Whedon did what any sensible person would do: gather together all his best friends and shoot a low-budget, black-and-white, modern rendition of William Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing in his fancy Santa Monica home over a two-week period.

The film stars Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof (costars on Angel) as the quarreling would-be lovers Beatrice and Benedick, in addition to Fran Kranz (Dollhouse, Cabin in the Woods) and newcomer Jillian Morgese playing Claudio and Hero, a budding couple that serves as the naive foil to the cynical leads.

Meanwhile, Nathan Fillion (Firefly) plays the comical officer Dogberry, Clark Gregg (The Avengers) costars as Hero’s father Leonato and Reed Diamond (Dollhouse) is Don Pedro, the man who “conspires” to get Beatrice and Benedick together at last. Meanwhile, Sean Maher (Firefly) plays Don John, the bitter man responsible for ...

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The first trailers for a pair of movies landed today, one featuring the more modern take on comedy, while the other brings a classic into the modern world.  Both films have fans who've been waiting for these trailers, and so we've brought them together for your enjoyment!

Let's start off with The Hangover Part III, which to be entirely honest with you, I had completely forgot was coming out.  I feel kind of bad about this, but after my disappointment with the second film, I wasn't raptly following the progress of this one.  Regardless the first trailer launched this morning and does just about everything in it's power to make it clear they are taking a different approach to this film.  Since the main complaint with Part II was it's essential re-tread of the first film's premise, you'll find almost nothing familiar (other than the characters) in this trailer.

On the whole,...

From The Avengers to Shakespeare, here's the first trailer and poster for Joss Whedon's highly anticipated indie film Much Ado About Nothing. I haven't seen the movie yet, but I've heard great things about it, and I love what I'm seeing in the trailer! It really does look like a great movie, and I'm excited to see it for myself. Not only because I'm a fan of Whedon, but because I'm also a fan of the work of Shakespeare.

The movie also has a great cast that includes Clark Gregg (Avengers), Fran Kranz, and Amy Acker (The Cabin in the Woods) along with Nathan Fillion, Alexis Denisof, Jillian Morgese, Sean Maher, and Reed Diamond. Here's the synopsis...

Leonato, the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don Pedro who is returning from a victorious campaign against his rebellious brother Don John. Accompanying Don Pedro are two of his officers: Benedick and Claudio.

Yes, Joss Whedon -- who made $1 billion and change for Marvel simply by making some spandex heroes fly around for a couple of hours -- has made a movie based on a Shakespeare play. In black and white. In his backyard. And on a budget that would barely feed the cast and crew of "The Avengers" for a single day. But you know what else? It actually looks pretty good. The first trailer for "Much Ado About Nothing" has arrived, and it's eager to shake off any associations with the Bard being boring, by fizzing things up with quick cutting and scoring the promo with St. Germain's jazzy "Rose Rouge." And it presents 'Much Ado' -- starring friends and frequent collaborators Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Nathan Fillion, Fran Kranz, Jillian Morgese, Sean Maher, Clark Gregg and Reed Diamond -- as a hip, contemporary relationship movie, albeit it one with soliloquies.

Coulson Lives! Sorry… Got carried away there. While Clark Gregg is indeed part of the cast for Joss Whedon’s homegrown adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing, he’s not playing Phil Coulson, unless this is the sneakiest Avengers crossover in the history of crosses and, um, overs. Check out the trailer below. This does have a tie in to those assembled Avengers, though, because Whedon shot the film at his house in 12 days when he was supposed to be having a break between principal photography and post-production on the superhero behemoth.An extension of the Shakespeare readings Whedon conducts at his pad with various actors from his oeuvre, this is a modern-day take on Shakespeare’s romantic comedy drama. The story focuses on a house party and wedding whereat the lives of two couples intertwine. Young lovers Hero (Jillian Morgese) and Claudio (Fran Kranz) are about to get married,...

Much Ado About Nothing was by far my favourite film at Tiff last year, and I can’t wait for it to get its wide release this summer.

Joss Whedon’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s play is nothing short of a masterpiece, and it instantly became one of my favourite films of all time when I saw it out in Toronto last September – you can read our five-star review here.

With the film’s release just a few months away, Yahoo Movies have debuted the first trailer, and it is every bit as beautiful as you’d expect.

Leonato (Clark Gregg), the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don Pedro (Reed Diamond), who is returning from a victorious campaign against his rebellious brother Don John (Sean Maher). Accompanying Don Pedro are two of his officers: Benedick (Alexis Denisof) and Claudio (Fran Kranz). While in Messina, Claudio falls for...

Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing wowed audiences at the 2012 Toronto Film Festival (and then again at the 2013 Glasgow Film Festival), and now you can watch the first trailer. A slick black-and-white reimagining of Shakespeare’s tragic-comic romance, the film casts Whedon acolytes from Buffy, Firefly, Dollhouse and more and updates the action to the modern day. Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof star as the sparring would-be lovers Beatrice and Benedick, with Fran Kranz and Jillian Morgese as Claudio and Hero. It's the latter couple's...

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Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing instantly became one of my favourite films of all time when I saw it at its Tiff debut last year, and naturally I can’t wait to see it again this summer.

Shot in just twelve days in Whedon’s own home, the film gives a contemporary setting to the Shakespeare play, with Whedon bringing his usual brilliance and wit to the table whilst still using the original text.

The first trailer for Much Ado About Nothing is set to debut later today. And ahead of that, we’ve just been sent the official press release confirming that the UK release date will be 14th June. And to go alongside it, we’ve got a great new image to share.

“Leonato (Clark Gregg), the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don Pedro (Reed Diamond), who is returning from a victorious campaign...

South by Southwest (SXSW) is just one of many film festivals, we here at Sound On Sight cover yearly. The fest, which takes place every spring in Austin, Texas, began in 1987, and has continued to grow in size every year. The fest announced the first wave of films back in early January, and the lineup included some highly anticipated films such as The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, Evil Dead, Downloaded and Spring Breakers. Now the full lineup has been announced, and it just might be one of the best lineups the festival has ever programmed.

SXSW takes place March 8-16 in Austin Texas. Here are just some of the films we are excited about.

Narrative Feature Competition – This year’s 8 films were selected from 1,191 submissions. Each film is a World Premiere.

Awful Nice

Director/Screenwriter: Todd Sklar, Screenwriter: Alex Rennie

Estranged brothers Jim and Dave must travel to Branson together when...

The promoters of Austin's legendary South By Southwest Festival , which kicks off on March 8, have announced the massive lineup of film for 2013 (69 world premieres, 14 North American and 5 U.S. Premieres so far), which includes the world premiere of Evil Dead, the much-talked-about reboot of the Sam Raimi classic from director Fede Alvarez. That's the big news, of course, but the lineup also includes a wealth of horror, thriller, dark fantasy and other genre-related titles. Here's a few of those additional highlights: Milo Director/Screenwriter: Jacob Vaughan, Screenwriter: Benjamin Hayes A man discovers that his chronic stomach problems are due to the fact that he has a demon baby living in his colon. Starring Ken Marino, Gillian Jacobs, Peter Stormare, Stephen Root and Mary Kay Place. (World Premiere) Much Ado About Nothing Director: Joss Whedon Shakespeare's classic comedy is given a contemporary spin in Joss Whedon's film, Much Ado About Nothing.

Earlier this month, we reported on the first wave of SXSW 2013 films, which includes The Incredible Burt Wonderstone and Evil Dead. Today, the full line-up has been announced, and it feels like Sundance all over again when it comes to plenty of unknown films. The chance of discovering a gem is high, and I look forward to hearing the buzz that arises from some these movies. There's also a second chance at festival films I missed like The Act of Killing (from Tiff) and Pit Stop (from Sundance). I thought Toy's House would make it in to SXSW, but I'll see it eventually since it picked up distribution. Hit the jump for the full line-up. The 2013 SXSW Film Festival runs from March 8 – 17th. Here's the full line-up for the 2013 SXSW Film Festival: Narrative Spotlight High profile narrative features receiving their World, North American or U.S. Premieres at SXSW. Much Ado About Nothing...