The Tragedy of Macbeth is an American black-and-white film written and directed by Joel Coen, based on the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare. It is the first film directed by one of the Coen brothers without the other's involvement. It stars Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, Bertie Carvel, Alex Hassell, Corey Hawkins, Harry Melling, and Brendan Gleeson. In the film, the Three Witches tell Macbeth a prophecy that he will become the King of Scotland. Kathryn Hunter co-stars, playing all three witches and an old man.