Quentin Tarantino will direct his first stage play, a comedy starring Sacha Baron Cohen that opens in London's West End on March 18.
The big picture: Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sonia Friedman Productions announced 'The Popinjay Cavalier' on Sunday. The project moves Tarantino from the movie set to the West End for his first stage production as writer and director.
- Producers describe the play as a swashbuckling comedy of deception and disguise set in 1830s Europe. Previews begin Feb. 23, followed by a March 18 opening at London's Phoenix Theatre.
Zoom in: Sacha Baron Cohen will make his West End debut in the production. He is best known for creating Borat and Ali G, and told AP: "When the best director in the world calls, you don't ask questions."
- Tarantino has not directed a feature since 'Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood' was released in 2019. His best-known films also include 'Reservoir Dogs,' 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Inglourious Basterds.'
What's next: A separate Tarantino screenplay, 'The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth,' is due in theaters in November with David Fincher directing and Brad Pitt returning. Tarantino's novelization of that film is scheduled for Dec. 8.
Why it matters: A filmmaker whose work depends on dialogue, tension and theatrical set pieces is testing that formula in live performance. The project also gives London a rare original event built around two globally recognized creators, instead of another screen adaptation.
