Which actor played Romeo in Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film Romeo + Juliet?

Leonardo DiCaprio played Romeo in Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film Romeo + Juliet.

The film, formally titled William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet, places Shakespeare’s dialogue in a modernized version of Verona Beach. Luhrmann retained the original play’s language while using contemporary costumes, cars, guns, television news, and a heightened visual style.

DiCaprio starred opposite Claire Danes, who played Juliet. The casting helped make the adaptation a major international release and introduced Shakespeare’s tragedy to many viewers through a fast-moving contemporary setting. John Leguizamo played Tybalt, while Harold Perrineau played Mercutio.

This film should not be confused with Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation, which starred Leonard Whiting as Romeo, or with later screen versions. The plus sign in the 1996 film’s title reflects its distinctive modern setting rather than a change to Shakespeare’s basic plot.