The production for Joss Whedon‘s take on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing may not have been as publicized as The Avengers, but the anticipation for the film’s release is all the same. The project virtually went unnoticed mostly because the project itself was a secret and principle photography was completed in less than a month. But just because it was a speedy shoot, doesn’t mean that the quality of the film was sacrificed. Shot in entirely black and white, Whedon’s latest directorial effort is a modern day spin on the classic Shakespeare tale that follows two unlikely lovers falling for each other.

Now we’ve got the first trailer for the film from Lionsgate. Hit the jump to see more.

For those who had not yet heard, back when director Joss Whedon was making that little superhero flick The Avengers, he also made an even smaller movie with a bunch of his Whedonverse friends in only twelve days.

The movie is Much Ado About Nothing, an adaptation of the William Shakespeare classic set in modern times. Whedon made the movie through Bellwether Pictures, a micro-studio Whedon started with Kai Cole that’s dedicated to do-it-yourself style indie narratives for all forms of media.

Now this ultra low budget film has itself a release date to plan for. You can find out when you can see it and check out a full rundown of who’s in the movie and who they’re playing below now!

Just when you thought Mr. Joss Whedon–creator of Firefly and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, among other things–could not surprise you any more than he already has, the man makes Shakespeare…and he does it in complete secrecy WHILE filming the biggest superhero movie of all time, Marvel’s The Avengers.

After a website promoting a Whedon adaptation of William Shakespeare‘s play, Much Ado About Nothing, went live, it was confirmed to The Wrap that it was no hoax and that the micro-budgeted indie project had just wrapped principle photography.

Even more exciting to fans of the “Whedonverse” is that many actors from his past projects came to help when called to help him make the movie…likely for little to no pay at all.

Continue reading to check out the full press release.

By Frank Ramblings

All-Star Superman
Limited Edition Blu-ray | Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack | 2-Disc DVD | DVD
Directed by Sam Liu
Starring James Denton, Christina Hendricks, Anthony LaPaglia, Ed Asner, Alexis Denisof
Warner Home Video
Release date: February 22, 2011

Perhaps the most beloved Superman story of all time, Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely‘s All-Star Superman amazed fans as it hit comic racks from 2005 to 2008. Many readers who never considered themselves fans of the character agree that Morrison’s tale of the most powerful hero who ever lived completely changed their view of the Man of Steel. So when it was announced that this instant classic would be the basis for the tenth entry in Warner Premiere and DC Comics’ collection of animated films, many were understandably nervous. The result, however, was something pretty amazing.

The screenplay written by the legendary Dwayne McDuffie stays quite faithful to Morrison’s original story. After a series of events set into motion by Lex Luthor, Superman finds himself more powerful than ever — but there’s a catch. His body is slowly breaking down and his death is imminent. With this in mind, he wastes no time making his remaining time on Earth count for something. His adventures include a romantic birthday celebration for Lois Lane, a special visit to his hometown of Smallville, and run-ins with classic and original villains both on Earth and in space.