Anthony Hopkins shines in his iconic return to the story of King Lear

30 years after his first onstage performance as King Lear, Anthony Hopkins is back on Amazon’s adaptation of the iconic Shakespearean play.

King Lear is officially streaming on Amazon starring Sir Anthony Hopkins, aka the relentless Robert Ford on Westworld. BBC and Amazon came together for the 2018 reimagining of the famous play starring Emma Thompson, Andrew Scott, Emily Watson, and Florence Pugh. The made-for-television film is directed by The Dresser’s Richard Eyre.

What usually amounts to a three hour plus play was condensed into a 115-minute movie by Eyre who illustrated the story of King Lear in a contemporary Britain where the king is a military dictator, according to New York Times.

Hopkins’ performance as King Lear in the Amazon/BBC production comes 30 years after he first played him onstage 30 years ago. Taking on the role again was something Hopkins didn’t imagine doing but we are so very glad he did.

Hopkins plays the hardhearted King who gives up his power to his two conniving daughters who want nothing more than to take it from him. As a result, he turns a blind eye to his youngest daughter, Cordelia which ignites a war between the family.

This type of role is what Hopkins is able to portray effortlessly time and time again, and fans are ecstatic to see his on-screen take for a role he knows extremely well. King Lear also stars Jim Broadbent, John Macmillan, Jim Carter, Christopher Eccleston, Tobias Menzies, Anthony Calf and Karl Johnson.

Whether Hopkins is playing Ford or King Lear, he sure knows how to deliver a hell of a performance as the powerful, fierce character that everyone fears and respects.

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