SBK Pictures and publishers Beautiful Books have agreed to an exclusive worldwide deal for the stage and screen rights to Christopher Rush's highly anticipated historical novel Will, which chronicles the deathbed meeting between William Shakespeare and his lawyer, as they lay out his final will and testament. SBK Pictures optioned the book days before its’ worldwide release.

The six-figure deal ends a heated bidding war for the project, which is on the fast track and scheduled to go before the cameras in 2008 with filming taking place in the United Kingdom. Sir Ben Kingsley will both star in the title role, as well as co-produce the film with Valerie Hoffman and Simone Sheffield.

For Kingsley, one of the world’s most honoured actors with four Academy Award nominations and one win for his role in Gandhi, the project marks the first production for his SBK Pictures. “I created SBK Pictures with the simplest of mandates: to work with people I admire, to make life-affirming films in a style appropriate to the story, and to enthrall the audience,” says the Oscar-winning actor. “Christopher wrote the most amazing, literate and entertaining novel I've read in years, and I'm both honoured and excited to be part of bringing Will to life”.

Rush, the author of 12 critically acclaimed works of fiction, memoir and poetry, is thrilled to be working with Kingsley. “WILL has been brewing in my brain for almost 50 years since I first saw Laurence Olivier play Richard III. To have this book taken up before it's even published, by the mighty Sir Ben Kingsley, is a lifetime's dream come true -- and I could have wished for no greater scenario!”

For more information on SBK Pictures, contact Simone Sheffield simone@canyonentertainment.com
or Valerie Hoffman valerie@sbk-pictures.com
For more information on Christopher Rush, contact Simon Petherick or Katherine Josselyn email simon@beautiful-books.co.uk or kat@beautiful-books.co.uk

Will 
Christopher Rush
Published: 20 September 2007
"Masterful." James Shapiro
"[He has]done an impossible job surprisingly well." Alasdair Gray
"A most remarkable work. He has made the Bard live!" John Bayley
   

Ben Kingsley, Alexander Siddig along with other cast members plus producers Martha De Laurentiis and Tarak Ben Ammar will be in attendance at the event on April 6th being held at Palace Conference Centre, and is sponsored by The Emirates Palace Hotel, Etihad Airways, The National Airline of the United Arab Emirates, Mrs. Huda Kanoo and the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation and supported by Mr. Ali Jassim. The event will be supporting the Manzil School for Special Needs Children, under the Patronage of Sha. Jameela Al Qassimi. This is the first time a Hollywood film has bowed at a private screening in the UAE.

Abu Dhabi, the Emirates capital has developed into the world's richest city and become a magnet for both business and the arts worldwide. The cultural mecca's latest acquisitions include ownership of such venerable cultural icons as the Guggenheim and Louvre museums.

Set during the fall of the Roman Empire, The Last Legion details the story of the young Emperor Romulus Augustus, who must flee the city and embark on a perilous voyage to Britain to track down a loyal legion of supporters.

One of the most revered actors of his time, Ben Kingsley has won over 28 various acting awards, including Academy Award nominations for his work in films such as Bugsy, House Of Sand And Fog, Sexy Beast, and was awarded the Best Actor Oscar for his indelible portrayal of 1982's Best Picture winner, Gandhi. His work also includes a memorable performance in the classic Best Picture winner Schindler's List. He was knighted by both the Queen of England as well as Indira Gandhi for his illustrious contributions to the arts.