The King: Timothée Chalamet Netflix epic

How does one begin to tackle Shakespeare? Reworking the prose and politics of the playwright’s work for a contemporary audience is no simple feat – but War Machine director David Michôd is up to the task, enlisting Timothée Chalamet to wear the crown.

The King is an ambitious adaptation of three of Shakespeare's plays: Henry IV Part 1, Henry IV Part 2 and Henry V. The Call Me By Your Name actor stars as Hal, the disgraced prince who reluctantly ascends the throne to become King Henry V, and must grapple with the war he inherits. Michôd has co-written the film with Joel Edgerton, marking their first collaboration since The Rover.

Chalamet won’t be navigating the political turmoil of medieval England alone. The King boasts an impressive cast: Edgerton as Falstaff, Robert Pattinson as Louis, the Dauphin of Vennois, Ben Mendehlson as Henry IV and Lily Rose-Depp as Hal’s wife, Catherine of Valois.

Edgerton explains the film’s take on Shakespeare: 'We’ve written "Henry IV" and "Henry V" as a period film, but with our own dialogue. For lack of a better word, it’s Game Of Thrones meets Shakespeare only in that, you can watch Game Of Thrones and understand what’s going on.'

The King marks a change of pace for Chalamet, who so far in his awe-inspiring career has stuck to portraying wounded teenage boys. Henry V looks to offer a far meatier role, and it will undoubtedly test the actor’s ability to translate his raw emotional sensitivity to the cutthroat monarchy.

Netflix has yet to announce a UK release date, but it will likely be available to watch from the comfort of your couch later this year after it debuts at the Venice Film Festival in September. For now, take a look at the first image and stake your claim in the bowl cut debate.