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Hamnet (film)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Not to be confused with Hammett (film).

Hamnet
Directed byChloé Zhao
Screenplay by
Based onHamnet
by Maggie O'Farrell
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyŁukasz Żal
Music byMax Richter
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release dates
  • September 2025 (2025-09) (TIFF)
  • November 27, 2025 (2025-11-27) (United States)
Running time
125 minutes[1]
Countries
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
LanguageEnglish

Hamnet is an upcoming historical drama film directed by Chloé Zhao, from a screenplay she co-wrote with Maggie O'Farrell, based on O'Farrell's 2020 novel of the same name.

The film's Canadian premiere is scheduled for the Gala Presentations section at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025 and will be given a limited theatrical release in the United States on November 27, 2025, expanding nationwide on December 12.

Premise

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A fictional story about the life of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes Shakespeare, following the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet.

Cast

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Production

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A stage production of Maggie O'Farrell's novel was announced in November 2022,[2] with the film rights having been acquired prior to publication by London-based Liza Marshall and her company Hera Pictures who then partnered with Neal Street Productions.[3] In April of 2023, Chloé Zhao was hired to direct the film, and would write the screenplay alongside O'Farrell.[4]

In May, Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley entered negotiations to star in the film.[5] Mescal confirmed in a January 2024 interview that he and Buckley would star.[6]

Principal photography was originally scheduled to begin in London on June 3, 2024.[7] Production instead began in Wales on July 29, 2024, and wrapped on September 30.[8][9] Joe Alwyn and Emily Watson were added to the cast in August, with Steven Spielberg joining the film as a producer.[10] Łukasz Żal serves as cinematographer.[11] Max Richter will serve as the film's composer.[12]

Release

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Focus Features acquired distribution rights to Hamnet in August 2024, with its parent Universal Pictures handling its international distribution.[10] In July 2025, the film was announced as part of the Gala Presentations lineup of the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival scheduled to be held during September 2025.[13] The film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on November 27, 2025, before expanding nationwide two weeks later on December 12.[14]

References

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  1. ^ "Hamnet". Toronto International Film Festival. Retrieved 22 July 2025.
  2. ^ "RSC to stage play about plague death of William Shakespeare's son Hamnet". the Guardian. 8 November 2022. Retrieved 8 November 2022.
  3. ^ Bamigboye, Baz (20 March 2023). "Breaking Baz: Stage Version Of Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet Has Become A Phenomenon Before It Opens; Transfer From Stratford-upon-Avon To London's West End Revealed". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  4. ^ Kroll, Justin (4 April 2023). "Chloé Zhao To Direct Adaptation Of Maggie O'Farrell's Novel Hamnet For Amblin Partners, Hera Pictures, Neal Street And Book Of Shadows". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  5. ^ Kroll, Justin (1 May 2023). "Jessie Buckley And Paul Mescal In Talks To Star In Hamnet Adaptation From Amblin Partners And Chloé Zhao". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 1 May 2023.
  6. ^ Seth, Radhika (26 January 2024). ""I Want More Stability": Paul Mescal On All Of Us Strangers, Hamnet And His In/Out List For 2024". British Vogue. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
  7. ^ "Hamnet". Production List. 11 December 2023. Retrieved 21 April 2024.
  8. ^ Calnan, Ellie (28 June 2024). "UK filming cranks up as The Thursday Murder Club, The Magic Faraway Tree, The Roses all start shooting". Screen Daily. Retrieved 21 July 2024.
  9. ^ Calnan, Ellie (29 July 2024). "'Hamnet' starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley begins filming in Wales". Screen International. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
  10. ^ a b Kroll, Justin (20 August 2024). "Focus Features Boards Chloé Zhao's Adaptation Of 'Hamnet' Starring Jessie Buckley And Paul Mescal". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
  11. ^ Łukasz Żal, PSC
  12. ^ Alchemy of Life and Sound
  13. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (16 July 2025). "TIFF Unveils Round Of World Premieres With 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery' & Pics From Derek Cianfrance, Paul Greengrass, Nicholas Hytner, Hikari & More". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 16 July 2025.
  14. ^ Rubin, Rebecca (24 April 2025). "Chloe Zhao's 'Hamnet,' Starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, Sets November Release Date". Variety. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
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