Just when you thought THEY couldnt butcher this classic tale annnnymore.. Hollywood.. pulls some idea out of their ass and SUPRISE.. POOp



Lil Romeo and Lil Juiliet (featureing Lil' Romeo the rapper)

Putting a modern urban spin on "Romeo and Juliet," Lil' Romeo will star in MGM Pictures' "Lil' Romeo and Lil' Juliet," it was announced today by Michael Nathanson, president and COO of MGM Motion Picture Corp. The filmmakers are planning a nationwide search to find a young actress to portray Romeo's fair Lil' Juliet. Developed and produced by Artists Production Group, the project was brought to MGM by Mark Canton and Steve Barnett of APG. The movie will be produced by Mark Canton and hip-hop superstar/producer (and Lil' Romeo's father) Master P, and the script is being penned by Dallas Jackson. No director is yet attached. MGM's Eric Paquette will serve as production executive on the project.

Reinventing Shakespeare's classic tale of love, "Lil' Romeo and Lil' Juliet" will be told in a cutting-edge, multi-ethnic style representative of today's youth. "I'm extremely excited about this film," says Canton. "The idea behind the production is fantastic. 'Romeo and Juliet' is a timeless story that deserves to be told for a new generation. It's thrilling to develop it from this new angle using an entirely fresh, invigorating voice."

"Lil' Romeo is part of a highly talented group of emerging young entertainers. It's a coup for us to be making a film with him," says Nathanson. "We definitely expect the film to be popular with young urban audiences, but we're also confident the strength of the project will ensure broad crossover appeal."

As an actor, 13-year-old Lil' Romeo is currently shooting "Honey" in Toronto opposite Jessica Alba. He's also completed a pilot, "Pieces of the Puzzle," for Nickelodeon, described as a modern take on "The Partridge Family." In his recording career, his self-titled first album featured the platinum single "My Baby." His new album, "Game Time," released on the New No Limit Records, is scheduled for release on December 17, 2002.