Smuggler Films has acquired the rights to the 1960 Jean Anouilh play “Becket”. Playwright and translator Ranjit Bolt will be writing a big-screen adaptation.

The play centers on Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket, who was appointed by his friend Henry II in 1162 but ultimately sided with the Church and against the crown and his old friend when the role of the Catholic Church was challenged by the English monarchy.

The original Broadway production premiered in 1960 and won four Tonys, including best play. It was adapted to film in 1964 starring Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole, and went on to earn 12 Academy Award nominations and one for Edward Anhalt for best adapted screenplay.

No casting or distribution information has been released yet.

Stay tuned for more on “Becket” right here at Shockya.com.

By Costa Koutsoutis (Source: The Hollywood Reporter)