Eon Productions and the newly launched Film Committee at Media City, Qatar today announced production on a film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Othello will commence in Doha in autumn 2026. 

The film is inspired by the critically acclaimed stage production of Othello at the New York Theatre Workshop which was directed by Sam Gold. David Oyelowo (Selma, Lawmen: Bass Reeves) will reprise the role of Othello and will direct the film of the tragic love story.  His cast will include Rachel Brosnahan (Superman, The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, upcoming Saturn Return) who returns as Desdemona and Cynthia Erivo (Wicked: For Good, Wicked, Harriet) who will play Emilia.

"I’ve wanted to produce the cinematic adaptation of Othello since we staged the production in New York in 2016.   I’m incredibly excited that David Oyelowo will be directing and returning as Othello, Rachel Brosnahan will be reprising the role of Desdemona and Cynthia Erivo is playing Emilia.  We thank the Film Committee for their support and look forward to shooting in Qatar in Autumn 2026,” said Barbara Broccoli.

David Oyelowo commented, “Our cinematic version of Othello is bitingly modern and fearlessly ambitious. To have a real shot at that, you need fearless actors. Cynthia is not only a generational talent but a dear friend with whom I am always keen to collaborate, and Rachel was a dream to play opposite in our original stage production and has been an inspiring pillar to build around for our fresh take on this legendary tale”.

The screenplay reimagines the classic text in a contemporary war-torn desert in the Middle East.  Producers are Barbara Broccoli and Nicky Bentham for Eon Productions and David Oyelowo for Yoruba Saxon. 

This production will utilize the newly launched Qatar Screen Production Incentive (QSPI) Programme. 

Further cast, crew and location details will be released in due course.