New Images from Julie Taymor’s THE TEMPEST

New images have been released for the upcoming adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest starring Helen Mirren and Russell Brand.  Written and directed by Julie Taymor, who also helmed 2007’s Across the Universe as well as the fantastic stage adaptation of The Lion King, the Shakesperean comedy features a fantastic cast that includes David Strathairn, Alfred Molina, Djimon Hounsou, Chris Cooper and Alan Cumming.  We recently brought you the visually impressive trailer for the film, which hits theaters on December 10^th. Hit the jump to check out the new images.

Here’s the synopsis:

In her big-screen adaptation of Shakespeare’s mystical thriller “The Tempest,” Academy Award®–nominated Julie Taymor (“Across the Universe,” “Frida,” “Titus”) brings an original dynamic to the story by changing the gender of the sorcerer Prospero into the sorceress Prospera, portrayed by Oscar® winner Helen Mirren (“The Queen”). Prospera’s journey spirals through vengeance to forgiveness as she reigns over a magical island, cares for her young daughter, Miranda, and unleashes her powers against shipwrecked enemies in this exciting, masterly mix of romance, tragicomedy and the supernatural.

Genre:  Drama/Fantasy

Rating:  PG-13

U.S. Release Date:  December 10, 2010, New York and Los Angeles

December 17, 2010, limited expansion

Cast: Helen Mirren, Russell Brand, Alfred Molina, Djimon Hounsou, David Strathairn, Chris Cooper, Alan Cumming, Ben Whishaw, Reeve Carney, Felicity Jones, Tom Conti

Director:  Julie Taymor

click on any image for high-resolution