Claim: Kate Beckinsale was directed.

Much Ado About Nothing is a 1993 British/American romantic comedy film based on William Shakespeare 's play of the same name . It was adapted for the screen and directed by Kenneth Branagh , who also stars in the film . The film also stars Branagh 's then-wife Emma Thompson , Robert Sean Leonard , Denzel Washington , Michael Keaton , Keanu Reeves , and Kate Beckinsale in her film debut .   The film was released on May 7 , 1993 , reaching 200 U.S. screens at its widest release . It earned $ 22 million at the U.S. box office and $ 36 million total worldwide , which , despite failing to reach the mark set by Franco Zeffirelli 's Romeo and Juliet , made it one of the most financially successful Shakespeare films ever released . It was also entered into the 1993 Cannes Film Festival .