Bruce, Michael to star in 'King Lear' adaptation

Actors Bruce Dern, Anthony Michael Hall and Sean Astin are starring in "The Lears", a comic adaptation of William Shakespeare's "King Lear".

It's the first in-house production for distributor NeoClassics Films and has started production in Malibu and other parts of Los Angeles, reports variety.com.

Aly Michalka, Victoria Smurfit and Nic Bishop are also starring.

Carl Bessai is directing his own script. NeoClassics Films' CEO Irwin Olian is producing it in association with Bessai's Raven West Films Ltd. NeoClassics will also serve as the film's international sales agent.

"Carl's script is a smart, modern day derivative of Shakespeare's 'King Lear'," said Olian.

"In the classic play, the old King wanted each of his three daughters to prove their love so that he could determine who was most worthy of his kingdom. In our modern spin, iconic architect Davenport Lear has created a family retreat -- also to test the love of each of his children as he is contemplating his future," he added.

The script focusses on world-renowned cutting-edge architect Davenport Lear played by Dern.

Nearing retirement, he summons his four dysfunctional children: Glenn (Hall), Regan (Michalka), Kent (Bishop) and Rory (James Hoare) and their spouses Tyler (Stephen Ellis), Tom Cornwall (Astin), Delia (Ivy Matheson) and Natalie (Amy Argyle).