All's 'Will' for Kingsley, SBK


Ben Kingsley and his SBK Pictures have acquired the rights to Christopher Rush's novel "Will," a fictional account of William Shakespeare's deathbed meeting with his lawyer to discuss his last will and testament.

The six-figure deal between SBK and publisher Beautiful Books will see the film start shooting next year in the U.K. The project marks the first production for SBK.

Kingsley will star as the Bard as well as produce the film with partners Valerie Hoffman and Simone Sheffield.

"Christopher wrote the most amazing, literate and entertaining novel I've read in years, and I'm both honored and excited to be part of bringing 'Will' to life," Kingsley said.

The book was released worldwide Thursday.

Kingsley won an Oscar for "Gandhi." He recently wrapped "The Wackness," in which he shares an onscreen kiss with Mary-Kate Olsen. His voice will be heard narrating Promenade Pictures' upcoming CGI animated indie film "The Ten Commandments."