Because it’s been almost 15 years since Baz Lurhmann’s Romeo + Juliet, and Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes are all old now, it’s apparently time to make a new version of William Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy. Hailee Steinfeld is set to star as Juliet in the adaptation, set to be directed by Italian filmmaker Carlo Carlie (Flight of the Innocent). Now, Variety reports that Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick is in final negotiations to star as Tybalt in the indie. Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park) wrote the screenplay and Holly Hunter recently joined the cast as The Nurse. The role of Romeo has yet to be cast. Production is set to begin this summer in Italy.

Oscar-nominee Hailee Steinfeld has recently become attached to the upcoming novel Forgotten and a re-imagining of Sleeping Beauty, and now she has a third project on her slate.  THR reports that Steinfeld is in talks to star in an indie adaptation of Romeo & Juliet.  Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park) wrote the screenplay and Italian director Carlo Carlie (Flight of the Innocent) will direct with Gabriele Muccino (Seven Pounds) attached as a producer.  There are currently no details on how Carlie plans to differentiate his Romeo & Juliet from the countless other adaptations, but the budget is in the $15 million range and shooting is expected to begin in Italy later this spring.