Scottish star Gerard Butler is to beef up the cast of Ralph Fiennes’ directorial début Coriolanus.

Butler will play Tullus Aufidius while Fiennes will play the title role in this contemporary version of Shakespeare’s political and family drama, set to start shooting in Serbia on March 1 2010.

Butler joins a cast that already includes William Hurt, Eddie Marsan, Jessica Chastain and Vanessa Redgrave.

“It’s thrilling that Gerard Butler is going to play Tullus Aufidius in Coriolanus. He has an extraordinary dynamic and commanding presence which is perfect for the role of Coriolanus’ sworn enemy and nemesis,” said Fiennes.

Produced by Julia Taylor-Stanley (Artemis Films), Gabrielle Tana (Magnolia Mae Films) and Colin Vaines (Synchronistic), Coriolanus is being sold internationally by Icon Entertainment International (IEI). The play is adapted for the screen by John Logan.

Other titles currently being represented by IEI at the AFM include West Is West, the sequel to East is East, Jim Loach’s Oranges And Sunshine starring Emily Watson, Julie Taymor’s The Tempest starring Helen Mirren and Karl Golden’s drama Pelican Blood starring Harry Treadaway and Emma Booth.

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