Redgrave to Star in 'Coriolanus' Film; Fiennes to Co-star and Helm

The filming of the Ralph Fiennes helmed "Coriolanus" will begin next week in Serbia, according to a number of published reports. The project has been in a standstill for quite some time until producers were able to assemble the appropriate cast. Fiennes will direct as well as play the title role in the adaptation by John Logan.

Shakespeare's final tragedy is also considered one of his greatest. This powerful political drama tells the story of the great Roman general whose arrogance leads to his own downfall. One of Shakespeare's most provocative plays, Coriolanus is a mesmerizing tale that unfolds as both personal tragedy and political thriller. From exalted war hero - to heavy handed politician to finally, exile - Coriolanus is manipulated by his power hungry mother Volumnia (one of Shakespeare's great female roles) and his unwillingness to compromise his principles as his world spirals out of control in his crusade for vengeance.

Joining Fiennes and Redgrave for the production is Gerard Butler as Afidius, Brian Cox as Menenius.

Fiennes trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He began his career at the Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park and, also during the late 1980s, the National Theatre before becoming a star in the Royal Shakespeare Company. His 2006 performance in the play Faith Healer gained him a nomination for a 2007 Tony Award, appearing in his first show on Broadway in more than 10 years. In 2008 Fiennes worked with frequent collaborator director Jonathan Kent to play the title role in Sophocles' Oedipus the King at the National Theatre in London. He played the Duke of Devonshire in the film The Duchess (2008). He will also appear in a 2010 West End revival of Uncle Vanya.Vanessa Redgrave is one of the most successful actresses of her generation and has experience on stage, television, and film. She has been nominated for BAFTA, Oscar, Tony, Golden Globe, and Emmy awards throughout the years.

Redgrave's breakthrough came in 1967 with "Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment," which earned her a BAFTA nomination along with the first of six Oscar and eleven Golden Globe nominations. She also received nominations for her role in "Isadora and Mary, Queen of Scots. After receiving the Actress Award from BAFTA in 1966, Vanessa won the best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in "Julia," and a BAFTA Actress in a Supporting Role nomination in 1987 for "Prick Up Your Ears." More recent work of Redgrave's includes "The Gathering Storm" (2002), for which Vanessa was BAFTA-nominated and Joe Wright's "Atonement and Venus," alongside Peter O'Toole and Leslie Phillips.

On stage, Redgrave received a Tony nomination for her role in Joan Didion's one woman play THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING which played in both London and New York. In 2003, Redgrave had won a Tony award for her role in Eugene O'Neill's LONG DAY"S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT. Upcoming projects of Redgrave's include "Letters to Juliet" with Amanda Seyfried and Gael Garcia Bernal, and "The Whistleblower" with Rachel Weisz and Monica Bellucc.