According to the official production notes from Focus Features, Hamnet is said to explore the untold emotional side of Shakespeare’s family life. Directed and co-written by Chloé Zhao, the film is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel and features Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as Agnes, his wife. While we don’t know every detail of how closely it will follow the book, early insights suggest it focuses on love, grief, and the inspiration behind one of Shakespeare’s greatest works.
Set in 16th-century England, Hamnet reportedly follows Agnes and Will as they navigate their relationship, creative ambition, and the unimaginable loss of their young son. Zhao, known for her sensitive direction in Nomadland, seems to bring a similar quiet intensity to this story. The production notes hint at a balance between realism and visual poetry, with nature playing a strong emotional role in the storytelling.
The film has been produced by Liza Marshall, Sam Mendes, Steven Spielberg, and Pippa Harris, bringing together an impressive team of creative minds. Though no one has yet seen how the final version takes shape, it’s expected to feature Łukasz Żal’s cinematography and Max Richter’s score, both adding to the emotional depth of the narrative.
We don’t yet know how Hamnet will differ from O’Farrell’s novel, but it’s already gaining attention for its cast and director pairing. Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal are known for their natural, layered performances, and early expectations suggest their chemistry could anchor the film.
While nothing is confirmed until audiences see it, Hamnet appears to be a deeply personal, meditative take on art, loss, and what love leaves behind.
Based on official Focus Features production notes and available public information.
