10 Things You Need To Know About Michael Fassbender's Macbeth

8. It's Not The First Adaptation For Film (By A Long Shot)

Big fans of Shakespeare or cinema are probably aware of a host of previous adaptations for the big screen, but those watching a Shakespeare adaptation for the first time might be unaware of the rich cinematic history this story in particular can lay claim to. Cinema royalty such as Orson Welles, Roman Polanski and Akira Kurosawa have each each directed the Scottish Play for movie audiences. Some memorable performances in the title role outside of these films include Sir Ian McKellan and Sir Patrick Stewart. Somehow this story in particular lends itself well to adaptation: perhaps due to the fascinating bleakness of its setting, its more supernatural elements and the battle scenes which bookend the play. With successful company such as this, this 2015 Macbeth will have its work cut out, but, judging by the trailers, it has retained all the features which have appealed to audiences down the years and arguably made them bigger and more exciting - the battle scenes in particular could rival those on Game Of Thrones for scale, blood and horror.