Joel Coen’s rendition of The Tragedy of Macbeth features an incredibly talented cast. Revitalizing the classic Shakespearean play, Coen intensifies the story with a surrealist aesthetic. Coen’s brilliant direction is complemented by the cast, who bring fresh ion and power to the play.
William Shakespeare’s original tragic play, usually simply called Macbeth, has been remade countless times since its inception. In the story, the Scottish general Macbeth violently fulfills a prophecy predicting him to become the King of Scotland. Driven paranoid by guilt, Macbeth and his wife, Lady Macbeth, spiral into tyranny, violence, and insanity.
It appears that Coen aims to embrace the intense, psychological aspects of Macbeth, setting up his actors for deeply powerful performances. The main players in this film are highly experienced, decorated actors, and even the smaller featured roles have been filled by excitingly capable newer talent. Here’s a guide to the cast and characters of The Tragedy of Macbeth.
Denzel Washington As Lord Macbeth
Denzel Washington brings power to the usurper Lord Macbeth. An honorable general turned tyrannical, Macbeth’s ambition devastates everything. A universally celebrated actor, Washington has received numerous accolades for his performances, especially in the crime thrillers Training Day, the Titans, and self-directed drama Fences. Washington also directed the drama A Journal for Jordan.
Francis McDormand As Lady Macbeth
Francis McDormand fearlessly stars as Lady Macbeth. Lady Macbeth pushes her husband to take the throne before succumbing to madness. McDormand is a modern acting legend, known for her award-winning roles in Fargo and Nomadland, as well as for appearing in Transformers: Dark of the Moon. She will next star in the drama Women Talking.
Corey Hawkins As Macduff
Corey Hawkins is Macduff, the hero who counters Macbeth’s treachery. Hawkins is best known for his roles in The Walking Dead, Straight Outta Compton, and In the Heights. Next, Hawkins appears in the horror film Last Voyage of the Demeter.
The Tragedy of Macbeth ing Cast
Brendan Gleeson as King Duncan: King Duncan is Macbeth’s principal victim. Gleeson is known for his work as Alastor Moody in the Harry Potter films, as well as children’s comedy Paddington 2 and biopic Into the Storm. He will star in the drama The Banshees of Inisherin.
Harry Melling as Malcolm: Malcolm is the rightful heir to the throne. Melling played Dudley Dursley in the Harry Potter films and appeared in The Queen’s Gambit. He’ll next star in the horror-thriller The Pale Blue Eye.
Bertie Carvel as Banquo: Banquo, Macbeth’s former friend, turns adversary. Carvel has appeared in the sci-fi series Doctor Who and period musical Les Misérables. He will next appear in historical drama The Crown.
Kathryn Hunter as the Witches: The Witches predict Macbeth’s rise and fall. While Hunter featured in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Hunter will next appear in the drama film Poor Things.
Alex Hassell as Ross: Ross assists his cousin Macduff. Hassell appeared in The Boys and the live-action Cowboy Bebop. He will assumedly continue on-stage roles in the future.
Moses Ingram as Lady Macduff: Macduff’s wife is a tragic motivator. Ingram notably appeared in The Queen’s Gambit. She will feature in Disney’s Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The Tragedy of Macbeth Minor Roles
Ralph Ineson as The Captain: An informant to King Duncan. Ineson appeared in Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and Chernobyl.
Sean Patrick Thomas as Monteith: A nobleman who opposes Macbeth. Thomas featured in the Barbershop series.
Stephen Root as The Porter: Macbeth’s comedic gate-keeper. Root appeared in Get Out, True Blood, and Succession.
Brian Thompson as Murderer: A pawn of Macbeth. Thompson featured in the Star Trek series and The Terminator.
Richard Short as Siward: A young warrior against Macbeth. Short appeared in American Horror Story.
