Jude Law will no longer be directed by Kenneth Branagh in the West End stage production of Hamlet.
Branagh has reluctantly left the project to concentrate on directing superhero adventure Thor. Michael Grandage, artistic director of Donmar Warehouse where the play will be staged, will oversee the directing duties.
"We have arrived at this arrangement very amicably," said Grandage. He added that he was "thrilled and flattered" to be working with Law, calling him "one of the leading actors of his generation".
Law repaid the compliment, saying, "I feel privileged to be part of the Donmar West End season and to be directed by the company's artistic director Michael Grandage.
"It was Ken who brought me to this project. With his support and guidance, as one of the greatest Hamlets of all time, and with Michael directing, I can't imagine a better scenario for me, as an actor, to undertake the role."
The play will open next June.