THEN AND NOW: The cast of 'Shakespeare in Love'

Viola De Lesseps comes from a wealthy family but loves to watch Shakespeare's plays. Viola then disguises herself as a man named Thomas Kent to earn the part of Romeo in Shakespeare's first production of "Romeo and Juliet." Despite being betrothed to Lord Wessex, who she eventually marries and moves to America with, she falls in love with Shakespeare.

Throughout her lengthy career, Paltrow, 50, has received critical acclaim for her roles in films such as "Emma," "Great Expectations," and "Sliding Doors." She is also the CEO and founder of her own lifestyle brand, Goop. The company is worth an estimated $250 million.

When we first meet Shakespeare, he's struggling to finish a play and is experiencing problems both financially and in his love life. After meeting Viola De Lesseps, she becomes his muse and he bases "Romeo and Juliet" on his blossoming romance with her.

Fiennes, 52, is perhaps best known for his roles as Fred Waterford on Hulu's "The Handmaid's Tale," a role that he's held since 2017, and as Monsignor Timothy Howard on "American Horror Story: Asylum," which was released in 2012.

He is also set to appear in "The Mother" alongside Jennifer Lopez, which is currently in post-production and is expected to be released in May 2023.

He is the main antagonist of the movie and is believed at one point to have orchestrated the death of Christopher Marlowe, thinking he was the one involved in an affair with Viola De Lesseps, though it is revealed that he was not. He constantly tries to keep Viola and Shakespeare apart.

He does not love Viola but is rather intent on marrying her so that he can use money from her wealthy family to settle his debts and start a new life with her in America.

Firth, 62, earned both an Oscar and a Golden Globe for his leading role as King George VI in "The King's Speech."

Firth also went on to star in the "Kingsman" series and continued his role as Mark Darcy in the "Bridget Jones" sequel "Bridget Jones's Baby" in 2016. He also returned for "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" in 2018. His most recent acting credits include roles in "Empire of Light," "The Staircase," and "Mary Poppins Returns."

Queen Elizabeth is depicted as a mischievous lover of theater, and as having a biting sense of humor. She informs Lord Wessex that Viola De Lesseps has been "plucked," tipping him off to her and Shakespeare's affair. She later attends the performance of "Romeo and Juliet," and effectively pardons Viola and the theater company for allowing a woman to perform on the stage.

In addition to her roles in "Skyfall" (2012), "No Time to Die" (2021), "Quantum of Solace" (2008), and multiple other James Bond films, Dench, 87, has held prominent roles in other period dramas such as "Pride and Prejudice" (2005) and "Jane Eyre" (2011).

She acts as Viola's constant companion and confidant and goes to great lengths to hide the fact that Shakespeare has been sneaking into Viola's chambers.

It was recently announced that Staunton, 66, would be taking over the role of Queen Elizabeth on "The Crown," which was previously acted by Claire Foy and Olivia Colman. Staunton is also well known for her role as Maud Bagshaw on the iconic British drama series "Downton Abbey."

In the film, Henslowe is in debt and constantly riding William Shakespeare to finish a crowd-pleasing play so that he can repay what he owes.

Rush, 71, is best known for his role as Captain Hector Barbossa in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" films, as well as his role as Hans Hubermann in "The Book Thief" (2013) and Lionel Logue in "The King's Speech" (2010). He also won the Oscar for best actor for his leading role in the 1996 film "Shine."

Rush is also among 24 people who have won the "Triple Crown of Acting," having won an Academy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and a Tony Award.

He oversees the production and is elated when Shakespeare offers him a role as the Apothecary in his production of "Romeo and Juliet."

Wilkinson, 74, has received multiple accolades for his acting career, including two Academy Award nominations. His most recent acting credits include roles in "Belgravia" (2020), "Watership Down" (2018), and "The Kennedys" (2011).

He is also the husband of Rosaline, who is involved with William Shakespeare at the start of the film. When he learns of their affair, he attempts to kill Shakespeare.

However, they resolve their feud. After Viola is exposed as a woman on the stage, forcing the theater to close for indecency, he even offers the Curtain to Will for his performance of "Romeo and Juliet."

Clunes, 60, is a well-known actor in the UK and is known for his roles in "Manhunt" (2019-2021) "Warren" (2019), and "Vanity Fair" (2018).

He takes his role as Mercutio very seriously and is suspicious of Shakespeare and Thomas Kent's relationship.

After "Shakespeare in Love," Affleck, 50, went on to star in films such as "Deep Water" (2022), "The Accountant" (2016), and "Gone Girl" (2014).

In May 2021, Affleck and ex-fiancée Jennifer Lopez sparked dating rumors following her high-profile split from Alex Rodriguez. The pair were engaged by April 2022 and exchanged marriage vows three months later.

In "Shakespeare in Love," it is implied that Marlowe gives the idea of the plot for "Romeo and Juliet" to his friend William Shakespeare. He dies in a bar fight, though Shakespeare believes he is responsible for his friend's death after telling Lord Wessex that Marlowe and Viola were having an affair.

The British actor also acted alongside his "Shakespeare in Love" costar Colin Firth in "The Happy Prince" (2018), which chronicled the life of poet and playwright Oscar Wild. He also wrote and directed the film, which received a Satellite award for best first feature.

Everett, 63, is also slated to appear in the upcoming drama "My Policeman," which stars Harry Styles and Emma Corrin.