Emile Hirsch is set to star in a modern version of "Hamlet," which "Twilight" helmer Catherine Hardwicke will direct for Ouverture Films. Ron Nyswaner ("Philadelphia," "The Painted Veil") will write the script based on the famous Shakespeare story. Plot details are kept under wraps, but Variety says the movie will be set in contempo America.

I admit I always enjoy watching Hirsch on the big screen. He recently delivered several excellent performances in some great films, including "Milk," "Into the Wild" and even "Alpha Dog" (yes, I really like it). Okay, his stunt in "Speed Racer" was not all that great, but who cares; the whole movie tanked anyway. You'll also see Hirsch in Ang Lee's upcoming "Taking Woodstock."