Hollywood stars have taken on the prestigious role of the heroine in William Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'&nbsp;for the 2020 Pirelli calendar, which launched on Tuesday (December 3) in Verona, home of literature's most famous star-crossed lovers.

Kristen Stewart, Claire Foy, Emma Watson as well as transgender model and actor Indya Moore were pictured by Italian photographer Paolo Roversi for the "Looking for Juliet" calendar, giving a modern-day spin on the timeless leading lady, who they say is just as relevant now as in the Shakespearean era.

Foy, alongside young actors Mia Goth, Yara Shahidi and Roversi's daughter Stella walked the carpet at the stunning Philharmonic Theatre on Tuesday, just 850 metres away from Juliet's balcony.

Nineteen-year-old U.S. actor Shahidi, who is also a model and activist, said Juliet's resilient spirit was an inspiration for girls her age.

"For me, Juliet really parallels so many of the young people of my generation," she told Reuters.

"Whether it's people that are environmental activists, whether it is people fighting for equity and equality, that kind of passion that Juliet has, and almost unreasonable sense of purpose is what we actually need to keep going."

First released in the 1960s, the Pirelli calendar, which has a limited publication run and is gifted to clients of the Italian tyre maker, has moved away from scantily-dressed models to more artistic themes in recent years.

"Society is changing very, very fast and the Pirelli calendar too is changing," Roversi told Reuters.

"It couldn't stay the same since 30 years (ago) ... it is interesting to see how the Pirelli calendar is following the evolution of society and photography, of the aesthetic, of the idea of beauty of women," he said.

Whoopi Goldberg, 64, who was hosting the launch in Verona, said "Looking for Juliet" was relatable for people of all ages - just like the timeless love tragedy.

"I think every woman who sees it will recognise that no matter how old you are, you are always Juliet," Goldberg, who was pictured in the 2018 Pirelli calendar, said.

The calendar is accompanied by a short film in which Roversi portrays a movie director looking to cast his Juliet.

As well as Watson, Stewart and Moore, this year's edition also features Chinese singer Chris Lee, Spanish singer Rosalia and Roversi's daughter, artist Stella Roversi.

Hollywood stars have taken on the prestigious role of the heroine in William Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' for the 2020 Pirelli calendar, which launched on Tuesday (December 3) in Verona, home of literature's most famous star-crossed lovers.

Hollywood stars have taken on the prestigious role of the heroine in William Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' for the 2020 Pirelli calendar, which launched on Tuesday (December 3) in Verona, home of literature's most famous star-crossed lovers. Kristen Stewart, Claire Foy, Emma Watson as well as transgender model and actor Indya Moore were pictured by Italian photographer Paolo Roversi for the "Looking for Juliet" calendar, giving a modern-day spin on the timeless leading lady, who they say is just as relevant now as in the Shakespearean era. Foy, alongside young actors Mia Goth, Yara Shahidi and Roversi's daughter Stella walked the carpet at the stunning Philharmonic Theatre on Tuesday, just 850 metres away from Juliet's balcony. Nineteen-year-old U.S. actor Shahidi, who is also a model and activist, said Juliet's resilient spirit was an inspiration for girls her age. "For me, Juliet really parallels so many of the young people of my generation," she told Reuters. "Whether it's people that are environmental activists, whether it is people fighting for equity and equality, that kind of passion that Juliet has, and almost unreasonable sense of purpose is what we actually need to keep going." First released in the 1960s, the Pirelli calendar, which has a limited publication run and is gifted to clients of the Italian tyre maker, has moved away from scantily-dressed models to more artistic themes in recent years. "Society is changing very, very fast and the Pirelli calendar too is changing," Roversi told Reuters. "It couldn't stay the same since 30 years (ago) ... it is interesting to see how the Pirelli calendar is following the evolution of society and photography, of the aesthetic, of the idea of beauty of women," he said. Whoopi Goldberg, 64, who was hosting the launch in Verona, said "Looking for Juliet" was relatable for people of all ages - just like the timeless love tragedy. "I think every woman who sees it will recognise that no matter how old you are, you are always Juliet," Goldberg, who was pictured in the 2018 Pirelli calendar, said. The calendar is accompanied by a short film in which Roversi portrays a movie director looking to cast his Juliet. As well as Watson, Stewart and Moore, this year's edition also features Chinese singer Chris Lee, Spanish singer Rosalia and Roversi's daughter, artist Stella Roversi.

Shakespeare’s Juliet takes on 21st century in Pirelli calendar

Oscar-nominated director Franco Zeffirelli passed away at 96. Highly known for his luxurious set designs, Zeffirelli died at his residence on Saturday, according to The Hollywood Reporter.&nbsp;

The Italian legend directed a version of 'Romeo and Juliet'&nbsp;in 1968 for which he received an Oscar-nomination.&nbsp;

His version of 'Romeo and Juliet'&nbsp;starring Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting earned him an Academy-nomination in the best picture category.&nbsp;

The film also won Oscars for best cinematography and costume design. Zeffirelli also wrote and directed another adaptation of Shakespeare`s classics, 'The Taming of the Shrew,'&nbsp;which starred Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

In 1990, he directed the adaptation of the writer's 'Hamlet'.&nbsp;Apart from Shakespeare's classics, Zeffirelli also directed films like 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon', which was based on the life of St. Francis of Assisi in 1972.&nbsp;

Five years later, in 1979, Zeffirelli directed an international miniseries titled 'Jesus of Nazareth'.

Before entering into the film business, Zeffirelli worked on theatre and opera, he designed costumes and sets and also directed some projects for much of the 1950s and `60s.

During the course of his career, the director earned five David di Donatello Awards from his home country.

Oscar-nominated director Franco Zeffirelli passed away at 96. Highly known for his luxurious set designs, Zeffirelli died at his residence on Saturday, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Oscar-nominated director Franco Zeffirelli passed away at 96. Highly known for his luxurious set designs, Zeffirelli died at his residence on Saturday, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Italian legend directed a version of 'Romeo and Juliet' in 1968 for which he received an Oscar-nomination. His version of 'Romeo and Juliet' starring Olivia Hussey and Leonard Whiting earned him an Academy-nomination in the best picture category. The film also won Oscars for best cinematography and costume design. Zeffirelli also wrote and directed another adaptation of Shakespeare`s classics, 'The Taming of the Shrew,' which starred Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. In 1990, he directed the adaptation of the writer's 'Hamlet'. Apart from Shakespeare's classics, Zeffirelli also directed films like 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon', which was based on the life of St. Francis of Assisi in 1972. Five years later, in 1979, Zeffirelli directed an international miniseries titled 'Jesus of Nazareth'. Before entering into the film business, Zeffirelli worked on theatre and opera, he designed costumes and sets and also directed some projects for much of the 1950s and `60s. During the course of his career, the director earned five David di Donatello Awards from his home country.

Oscar-nominated director Franco Zeffirelli dies at 96

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Shakespeare’s Juliet takes on 21st century in Pirelli calendar

Oscar-nominated director Franco Zeffirelli dies at 96