Shekhar Kapur's young Shakespeare drama picked for series

Shekhar Kapur's "Will", the account of young William Shakespeare's life as he arrives in London to establish a career in theatre, has been given 10-episode series order for a 2017 premiere by TNT.
Kapur, best known for helming "Elizabeth", has directed the pilot which comes from Craig Pearce, the longtime writing partner of filmmaker Baz Luhrmann. It stars British newcomer Laurie Davidson in the title role, reported Deadline.
The drama will focus on the early years of the famous playwright. It starts with a young Shakespeare's arrival onto the theatre scene in 16th century London.
"Will" is a contemporary version of Shakespeare's life, set to a modern soundtrack.

Pearce wrote the script and executive produces with Kapur, Alison Owen (Elizabeth) and Debra Hayward (Love Actually), as well as Vince Gerardis, Howard Braunstein and Louise Rosager.
The project was previously set up at HBO.