Edmond Rostand's 1897 play Cyrano de Bergerac has been adapted many times for stages and screens – José Ferrer won an Oscar for the 1950 film, while Gérard Depardieu was nominated for his portrayal in 1990. And no one would forget Steve Martin's looser, but wonderful version, Roxanne in 1987. Finding a fresh approach would be a challenge for any filmmaking, but it's one that director Joe Wright and writer Erica Schmidt are tackling with Cyrano. Check out the first trailer for the romantic musical below.
Adapted not just from the original but from Schmidt's stage musical, this film finds Peter Dinklage taking over the title role, having played it for Schmidt's show after the real-life husband and wife team staged it in Connecticut and New York. Roxanne here is played by Haley Bennett, who also appeared in the musical, and who sparked Wright to its existence.
Wright's film turns the film back to a more traditional period setting, but the music and lyrics, created by members of The National (including Matt Berninger plus twins Aaron and Bryce Dessner, alongside Berringer's wife Carin Besser) have made their way to the screen. It's still the story of frustrated, talent romantic Cyrano, who here fears that his diminutive size renders him unable to woo Roxanne, the childhood friend he's been in unrequited love for years. When she, in turns, falls for handsome solider Christian (Waves' Kelvin Harrison Jr.), the stage is set for romantic aid, comic misunderstandings and, ultimately, a tale of self-confidence and conflict.
Cyrano will be in UK cinemas on 14 January next year, following a Stateside release on 31 December.