Rhys Ifans to star in `Under Milk Wood` film remake

Los Angeles: Actor Rhys Ifans is set to follow in fellow Welshman Richard Burton`s footsteps by starring in a new film adaptation of iconic poet Dylan Thomas` famous play `Under Milk Wood`. Director/producer Kevin Allen has obtained the movie rights to the 1954 work, which features the dreams and innermost thoughts of the inhabitants of a fictional Welsh fishing village, reportedly.

Allen is planning to make back-to-back English and Welsh language versions of the project, which was previously tuned into a big screen release by filmmaker Andrew Sinclair in 1972. Allen has cast `Notting Hill` star Ifans in the role of First Voice, which was originated onscreen by Burton. Burton`s on/off wife Dame Elizabeth Taylor also starred in the 1972 film. Producers have promised to "veer away from delivering a one dimensional, literal reflection of Thomas` original work" and instead "explore some of the darker, visceral elements" of "a richly funny, filthily fluid dystopian dreamscape - whilst not stooping to mess with Thomas` original text". Filming on `Under Milk Wood` is due to begin this summer.