Military

Joel Coen Takes On ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth’ in Mysterious New Trailer

September 22, 2021Mac Caltrider
Macbeth

Denzel Washington stars as Lord Macbeth in the new Joel Coen movie. Screenshot from YouTube.

By the pricking of my thumbs, Shakespeare’s wicked Scottish king comes back to theaters on Christmas Day 2021. Macbeth and his sinister wife are getting the A24 treatment. The studio responsible for atmospheric gems like The Witch, The Green Knight, and The Lighthouse have teamed up with Joel Coen to bring Shakespeare’s warrior king back to life. 


The Tragedy of Macbeth marks the first time Joel Coen has directed a movie without his brother Ethan Coen. The Coen brothers are one of the most well-respected director-duos in Hollywood and have helmed such critically acclaimed titles as No Country for Old Men, True Grit, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? But Joel Coen’s first solo endeavor looks promising if the new Macbeth trailer is an accurate sample of what’s to come. 



In the black-and-white trailer, Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand depict the titular roles of Lord Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. Joining them is an impressive cast including Coen brothers veteran Brendan Gleeson and A24 regular Ralph Ineson. Washington and McDormand are notably older than traditional casting choices for Shakespeare’s tragedy. In an Instagram live video, McDormand revealed that Joel Coen’s choice was calculated.


“We’re postmenopausal, we’re past childbearing age. So that puts a pressure on their ambition to have the crown. I think the most important distinction is that it is their last chance for glory,” McDormand said.


Macbeth
Shakespeare’s tragedy was first performed at the Globe Theatre circa 1606. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

The trailer is thick with typical A24 vibes that toe the line between horror and drama. In place of dialogue, a sole drum beats ominously as vultures circle in the sky and the play’s three notorious witches emerge out of a heavy fog like apparitions.


Joel Coen’s creepy take on Shakespeare’s classic will premiere in theaters Dec. 25 and will be available on Apple TV+ on Jan. 14, 2022.


Read Next: How Alfred Hitchcock Helped ‘1917’ Pull Off the Single-Take Illusion



Mac Caltrider
Mac Caltrider

Mac Caltrider is a senior staff writer for Coffee or Die Magazine. He served in the US Marine Corps and is a former police officer. Caltrider earned his bachelor’s degree in history and now reads anything he can get his hands on. He is also the creator of Pipes & Pages, a site intended to increase readership among enlisted troops. Caltrider spends most of his time reading, writing, and waging a one-man war against premature hair loss.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Coffee Or Die Photo
Get Your Viking On: The Exclusive 30 Sec Out BRCC Shirt Club Design

Thirty Seconds Out has partnered with BRCC for an exclusive shirt design invoking the God of Winter.

Grizzly Forge BRCC shirt
Limited Edition: Grizzly Forge Blades on an Awesome BRCC Shirt

Lucas O'Hara of Grizzly Forge has teamed up with BRCC for a badass, exclusive Shirt Club T-shirt design featuring his most popular knife and tiomahawk.

BRCC Limited Edition Josh Raulerson Blackbeard Skull Shirt
From Naval Service to Creative Canvas: BRCC Veteran Artist Josh Raulerson

Coffee or Die sits down with one of the graphic designers behind Black Rifle Coffee's signature look and vibe.

Medal of Honor is held up.
Biden Will Award Medal of Honor to Army Helicopter Pilot Who Rescued Soldiers in Vietnam Firefight

Biden will award the Medal of Honor to a Vietnam War Army helicopter pilot who risked his life to save a reconnaissance team from almost certain death.

dear jack mandaville
Dear Jack: Which Historic Battle Would You Want To Witness?

Ever wonder how much Jack Mandaville would f*ck sh*t up if he went back in time? The American Revolution didn't even see him coming.

west point time capsule
West Point Time Capsule Yields Centuries-Old Coins

A nearly 200-year-old West Point time capsule that at first appeared to yield little more than dust contains hidden treasure, the US Military Academy said.

Ouija Board aircraft carrier
Low-Tech ‘Ouija Boards’ Have Helped Aircraft Carriers Operate for Decades

Since the 1920s, a low-tech tabletop replica of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck has been an essential tool in coordinating air operations.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
Contact Us
© 2024 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved