Actor Oscar Isaac has been tapped to play the titular character in a new production of Shakespeare's famous tragedy, Hamlet, staged by New York's Theater for a New Audience.
The New York Times broke the news today, noting that Isaac has previously appeared in the Bard's Romeo and Juliet and Two Gentlemen of Verona for Shakespeare in the Park productions.
Isaac, a fast rising star in the film industry, gained mainstream recognition with his role as Poe Dameron in last year's blockbuster, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The actor previously impressed critics and moviegoers alike with his expansive range in movies like A Most Violent Year and the sci-fi thriller, Ex Machina.
Fans of Star Wars were taken with the actor's portrayal of pilot Poe last December. As director J.J. Abrams told GQ, Isaac's acting skill brought the role to life:
"Oscar's concerns about making the character feel alive and authentic is the exact reason he's a great actor. This is a hero that you need to believe is also a human being. And he gave the role a nuance that I think made it one of the strongest in the movie."
In 2013, Isaac displayed his musical chops alongside his theatrical reach for the Coen brothers' understated drama, Inside Llewyn Davis. In the movie, the actor played a dejected '60s Greenwich Village folk singer -- roughly interpreted as an alternate universe Bob Dylan. The film highlighted Isaac's precise guitar playing and vocal talent throughout.
In an interview with The Playlist, Isaac described the luck involved in his artistic ascent, while admitting his penchant for assuming revelatory roles:
"I was just fortunate enough that things came around when they did, and they seemed cool enough for me to want to get involved with them. I like acting, so it was just fun to try different styles, and I definitely like a good challenge, so I look for stuff that I haven't done before."
The unceasing renaissance and universal appreciation of Shakespeare's work continues, with numerous events and performances this year celebrating the 400th anniversary of the famous playwright's death.
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