Starz is going from showing movies to making movies of its own with its new television movie The Dresser, based on the Ronald Harwood play of the same name.
The movie stars Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen and was announced in a press release March 24. The Dresser tells the tale of a WWII production of Shakespeare's King Lear that is placed in jeopardy when its star, Sir, played by Hopkins, goes missing. It is up to his dresser, Norman, played by McKellen, to find him.
Interestingly, both Hopkins and McKellen have starred in King Lear as the title role and director Richard Eyre directed a production of King Lear for the National Theatre in 1997.
The film has been described as not only funny, but also a moving tale that involves loyalty and friendship as the plot follows Sir in his efforts to look back on the accomplishments through his life while also reconciling with the friends he had turbulent relationships with. Also starring in the production are Emily Watson, Sarah Lancashire and Edward Fox. The Dresser premieres on Starz on May 30 at 9 p.m. ET.
You can watch the trailer here: