Let Me In star Kodi Smit-McPhee is in early discussions to play Benvolio in Romeo and Juliet.

Benvolio is Romeo's cousin who futilely tries to keep the peace between Tybalt (Ed Westwick) and Mercutio. Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld is locked in to play Juliet, while Holly Hunter will play Juliet's nurse. Both the Romeo and Mercutio roles have not been cast yet.

Carlo Carlei will direct Romeo and Juliet from a screenplay by Julian Fellowes, which is adapted from the William Shakespeare play. Ileen Maisel, Mark Ordesky, and Gabriele Muccino will produce along with Julian Fellowes.

Production will begin sometime this summer in Italy.