Barbara Broccoli's Othello: A Modern Cinematic Adaptation Set to Begin Filming in Qatar
Barbara Broccoli has announced that her upcoming film, Othello, has secured funding in Qatar and is scheduled to start filming in the autumn of 2026. The movie will feature David Oyelowo, Rachel Brosnahan, and Cynthia Erivo, with Oyelowo also taking on the role of director. The project is a collaboration between EON Productions, Yoruba Studios, and Qatar's Katara Studios, with support from the Qatar Screen Production Incentive.
The film is based on Broccoli's 2016 theater production of Shakespeare's Othello, set in a U.S. barracks in Iraq. Oyelowo, Brosnahan, and Erivo will reprise their roles from the stage production, with Company 3 providing production and VFX services. The project has been in development for some time, with rumors circulating about its progress since the formation of the Othello Film Company Limited.
Broccoli's involvement in the project marks a continued collaboration between top cinema professionals and Qatar, with discussions ongoing for potential partnerships. The decision to shoot Othello in Qatar follows Broccoli's recent deal with Amazon MGM Studios for the James Bond franchise. The announcement was made during a masterclass on creative producing at the Industry Days event in Qatar.
Broccoli expressed her excitement about bringing Othello to the big screen, highlighting the talent of the cast and the modern approach to the classic story. Oyelowo echoed her sentiments, praising the fearless and ambitious nature of the project and the collaboration with Erivo and Brosnahan. The film is set to begin production in Qatar in the fall of 2026, with high expectations for its cinematic adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy.