Chloé Zhao’s upcoming film Hamnet offers a unique perspective on the story behind one of William Shakespeare’s most renowned plays, Hamlet. Scheduled for release later this year, this adaptation dives into the real-life tragedy that inspired Shakespeare instead of retelling the familiar play itself, bringing to life the emotional depth of its origins.
Set to premiere in theaters on November 27 with a wider release on December 12, the movie aims to captivate audiences with its heartfelt exploration of love and loss through the lens of Shakespeare’s family history.
The Story Behind the Film
Hamnet is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 historical fiction novel, which imagines the circumstances surrounding the death of Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet. The film version was co-written by O’Farrell and Zhao, who collaboratively shaped the story for the screen.
The narrative focuses on the experiences of Agnes, Shakespeare’s wife, and her family, portraying their grief and strength rather than the events of the original play. Zhao shared insights about the emotional and symbolic layers of the film, emphasizing the relationship between two characters who represent larger human energies:
“Maggie’s book laid the foundation, really focusing on Agnes. For the film, I wanted it to be about two people who see and are seen by each other. They’re archetypal characters. I’ve studied Jungian psychology and Hindu Tantra — the energies of masculine and feminine, being and doing, birth and death. If we don’t have a healthy connection to our roots, those forces battle within us. By creating two characters who embody that, the story can work at a collective level and an internal one. The alchemy of creativity lets those forces coexist. Hopefully it becomes something more than a story about marriage or the death of a child.”
Through this approach, Zhao hopes to convey themes that resonate universally, beyond the specific historical tragedy, tapping into the emotional and psychological complexities of human connection and creativity.
Strong Ensemble Cast and Production Team
The film features a talented cast including Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, and Joe Alwyn, who bring emotional depth to their roles. Zhao has highlighted the dynamic between Buckley and Mescal in particular, noting how their performances complement each other.
“Paul’s performance may be more restrained, but you feel that, without him, there’s no her. Jessie and Paul as two actors were extremely giving to each other in that way.” —Chloé Zhao, Director
Buckley also praised Mescal, underscoring his presence and the weight he carries in his role, likening him to legendary actor Richard Burton:
“It’s no mean feat to step into the shoes of Shakespeare and to bring so much humanity to him, and that’s what Paul, as a person, threads. He has this greatness about him in an old-school way, like Richard Burton had. He’s got a weight that is bigger than his years, and you can really lean on it. Working with him, I was like, ‘Oh, I want to meet you so many times in my life in different ways and work together.’ It felt so alive. Anything was possible.” —Jessie Buckley, Actress
Behind the scenes, the production team includes Liza Marshall, Pippa Harris, Nicolas Gonda, Steven Spielberg, and Sam Mendes, whose combined experience aims to ensure the film’s artistic and emotional impact.
Anticipated Release and Viewer Expectations
Hamnet is set to debut in select theaters on November 27, followed by a wider release across the country on December 12. The film is poised to attract viewers interested in historical drama, Shakespearean lore, and deeply human stories about family and creativity.
The collaboration between Zhao and O’Farrell, both deeply invested in the emotional core of the story, suggests a poetic and thoughtful cinematic experience. Audiences can expect a film that balances intimate character study with broader themes of birth, death, and artistic inspiration.
Initial Glimpse: The Teaser Trailer
As anticipation builds, the teaser trailer for Hamnet provides a first look at the film’s tone and visual style, setting the stage for its thoughtful exploration of Shakespeare’s life and legacy. While brief, the trailer hints at the emotional depth and atmospheric storytelling that Zhao is known for, promising a fresh and resonant adaptation of a timeless influence.
