After launching herself into the spotlight with True Grit, actress Hailee Steinfeld has chosen her next project, another adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tale Romeo and Juliet. According to The Daily Mail, the script calls for the 14 year old actress to shed her clothes and partake in a sex scene, something that it sure to cause controversy. An excerpt from the script reads:
“They (Romeo and Juliet) start undressing each other – slowly, gently and carefully until they are naked,” the script reads. “They are eternal figures in a Raphael painting. Romeo then carries her to bed, kissing her again and again as they explore uncharted territory. Then they make love, transported into each other’s soul.”
Writer Julian Fellowes has defended the choice of choosing Steinfeld for the role, saying:
“I wanted Hailee because she is the perfect age. Juliet is at that stage of… what you might call a child/woman. Just like Hailee herself is,” he said. “My version is a romantic story – one that keeps pretty true to Shakespeare but is, I hope, more accessible.”
Filmmakers will likely use a body double but it will still be interesting to see how censors, watchdogs and audiences react to the young actress partaking in such a scene. Will it hurt Steinfeld’s career?
What do you think?
The film is still looking for a Romeo but plans to shoot in Italy later this year.
