With his enduring presence in literature and culture, it’s no surprise that William Shakespeare, the illustrious playwright, actor, and poet whose rhythmically woven words and intricate characters have been a fixture of the stage since the late 16th century, continues to inspire contemporary storytellers. His influence stretches beyond the bards and academics, seeping into the veins of pop culture, making a home for itself within an unlikely realm – cinema. Yes, the Bard of Avon, the high-school English class staple, can be found hidden among Hollywood’s greatest blockbusters and cinematic gems. And we’re not just talking about Leonardo DiCaprio donning a Hawaiian shirt as Romeo or fancy rendition of Macbeth.

Artists and filmmakers have ingeniously integrated the narrative structure, themes, and character arcs of Shakespearean plays within unsuspecting genres: Zombie flicks with romantic underpinnings, animated musicals imbued with tragedy, and sci-fi masterpieces set in distant galaxies. From “Men of Respect” to “The Lion King”, these films thread Shakespearean elements into modern tapestry, making the immortal words of Shakespeare more accessible to a wider audience.

Take for example, “Forbidden Planet” (1956), an illustrious pillar of 1950’s sci-fi royalty that bears a striking resemblance to Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”. The story focused on a team of astronauts looking into the mysterious quiet of a scientific colony, stumbling upon deceit and unpalatable truths, becomes a retelling of the Bard’s play in a futuristic setting.

Fast forward to 1990, “Men of Respect” utilized the tragic blueprint of “Macbeth” to create a gritty crime drama that saw John Turturro’s Mike Battaglia scale the ranks of a mafia empire with blood-soaked ambition, illuminating the deceptive allure of power framed by the grim escapades of the underworld.

Shakespeare’s magic commingles with teenage angst and high school drama in 2001’s “Get Over It”, a loose interpretation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. The film replaces the mischevious fairies with impish high-school boys, cleverly utilizing scenes from the original play staged by students, a nod to its Shakespearean roots.

Meanwhile, “Deliver Us from Eva” (2003) transforms the meddlesome, strong-willed Eva into a modern day “shrew” from Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew”. The plan enacted by three interfering men to ‘tame’ Eva by having her fall for the charming Ray complicates and introduces the delightful unpredictability of life into the equation.

The tragic undercurrents of “Othello” are brilliantly adapted into the high-stakes world of a racially-charged upper-class high school in “O” (2001). Incorporating themes of jealousy, betrayal, and passion, the film traces the destructive path of manipulation and envy navigated by Odin, replicating the emotional intensity of Shakespeare’s original play.

From the riotous teen rom-com landscape of ‘She’s the Man’ (2006) to the bleak dystopian world of ‘Ex Machina’ (2015), through the ’80s teenage themes of ‘Just One of the Guys’ (1985) and the bloody vengeance of ‘The Northman’ (2022) – the colorful, tragic and sometimes comedic adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays continue to make us think, laugh, and cry.

Among these adaptations, ‘The Lion King’ (1994) stands out as one of Disney’s greatest treasures, tracing the tragedy of ‘Hamlet’ amid the plains of the African Savannah. The delightful balance of Shakespearean tragedy and enchanting animation leaves us humming ‘Hakuna Matata’ as we ponder on the power of stories crafted centuries ago, relevant and ever-inspiring as ever, showing us that Shakespeare’s work will continue to reverberate through the corridors of storytelling, serving as a timeless blueprint for narratives that evoke laughter, tears, and profound reflections.

The influence of this playwright is magnanimous, to say the least. His presence is felt in blockbuster movies, cult classics, and more, bringing a hint of 16th-century charm to wild sci-fi escapades, riveting crime dramas, and even heart-warming animations. Onstage or onscreen, through fairies or star-crossed lions, Shakespeare continues to capture our hearts and minds, exemplifying the timeless appeal of a well-spun tale.

Credit: ATC