1 Ophelia: Yeah, this story idea sounds good! Now we need someone to portray this young time-travelling writer.
1 Shakespeare: Ahem.
2 Ophelia: Someone charming, photogenic, articulate.
2 Shakespeare: Ahem.
3 Ophelia: Someone capable of pulling off a character portrayal in various periods of history and who looks dreamy in costume.
3 Shakespeare: Ahem!
4 Ophelia: I'll see if Benedict Cumberbatch is available!
4 Shakespeare: Ah... yes. Just who I was about to suggest.

Benedict Cumberbatch might arguably not be all that young, but I'm sure he could pull it off. And finding an actual younger actor with the requisite skills, experience, and Ophelia-appeal turned out to be somewhat difficult for me, though I'm sure some readers will be able to think of someone.