After directing one of the biggest blockbusters of all time, you’d think Joss Whedon would’ve taken a break.

After The Avengers he was planning to go to Italy until his producer wife, Kai Cole, suggested they shoot a low budget contemporary Shakespeare adaptation at their Santa Monica home – the couple often host readings there.

Joss invited a few mates over and one month later Much Ado About Nothing was ready to edit.

In the cast are Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Reed Diamond, Sean Maher, and Jillian Morgese, along with The Avengers‘ Clark Gregg, The Cabin the Wood hero Fran Kranz,and Serenity/Firefly‘s Nathan Fillion.

So here we have the UK trailer for Whedon’s modern take on the Bard of Avon’s tale of two pairs of lovers. It promises to be a fun, witty, and black and white affair.

“You’ve never seen Shakespeare done like this.” In Joss we trust.

Shakespeare updates can be very hit and miss, but I’m liking what I see here – although it’s not likely to convert those who don’t like such modernisations.

The cast work brilliantly together and take to the material effortlessly – no stale or stage-like delivery here. It looks like they had fun making this.

One other thing this shows us is that when directors make it big, they shouldn’t stop shooting low-to-micro budget indies. Keeps them grounded and in touch with their craft.

Although there’s no release date yet, I expect we’ll see this in 2013 – possibly at NZIFF.

You up for Shakespeare Whedon-style?

Leonato, the governor of Messina, is visited by his friend Don Pedro who is returning from a victorious campaign against his rebellious brother Don John. Accompanying Don Pedro are two of his officers: Benedick and Claudio. While in Messina, Claudio falls for Leonato’s daughter Hero, while Benedick verbally spars with Beatrice, the governor’s niece. The budding love between Claudio and Hero prompts Don Pedro to arrange with Leonato for a marriage.

In the days leading up to the ceremony, Don Pedro, with the help of Leonato, Claudio and Hero, attempts to sport with Benedick and Beatrice in an effort to trick the two into falling in love. Meanwhile, the villainous Don John, with the help of his allies: Conrade and Borachio, plots against the happy couple, using his own form of trickery to try to destroy the marriage before it begins.

A series of comic and tragic events continue to keep the two couples from truly finding happiness, but then again perhaps love may prevail.

Directed by Joss Whedon, the film stars Amy Acker, Alexis Denisof, Reed Diamond, Clark Gregg, Fran Kranz, Sean Maher, Jillian Morgese, and Nathan Fillion.

No New Zealand release date yet. But expected in 2013.