Paul Mescal has been killing it lately with his work on the big screen and small screen alike. I find his onscreen presence captivating and unexpectedly charming, which is why I can’t wait to see his take on William Shakespeare in the upcoming period drama, Hamnet. He will be starring alongside the brilliant Jessie Buckley, and based on the trailer alone, it’s clear these two have undeniable on-screen chemistry.
I’ve seen multiple remakes and adaptations of Shakespeare’s plays, from Romeo + Juliet to Branagh’s Hamlet. Yet while most of these films adapt the famous playwright’s fictional work, few have managed to unpack the real life of the prominent literary figure whose work and worldview have shaped our culture to this very day. That’s where Hamnet comes in.
Here’s everything you need to know about Paul Mescal’s Hamnet, coming to theaters December 12, 2025.
What is the story of the Hamnet?
Hamnet will focus on the complex relationship between the acclaimed playwright and his wife Agnes, who are reeling from the untimely death of their son. Fascinatingly, this tragedy inspired William to write Hamlet, which is arguably his biggest masterpiece of all time.
When is Hamnet coming out?
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The movie will hit a limited selection of theaters on November 27 before expanding nationwide on December 12.
Who’s in the Hamnet cast?
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The Hamnet cast is truly incredible. And along with the star-studded cast, the upcoming film also boasts a stellar behind-the-scenes ensemble, including Chloé Zhao as director, Steven Spielberg as producer, and Max Richter for the score. Color me impressed!
Here’s the full Hamnet cast:
- Jessie Buckley as Agnes Shakespeare
- Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare
- Joe Alwyn as Bartholomew Hathaway
- Emily Watson as Mary Shakespeare
- David Wilmot as John Shakespeare
- Freya Hannan-Mills as Eliza Shakespeare
- Dainton Anderson as Edmund Shakespeare
- Elliot Baxter as Richard Shakespeare
- Jacobi Jupe as Hamnet Shakespeare
- Olivia Lynes as Judith Shakespeare
- Bodhi Rae Breathnach as Susanna Shakespeare
- Jack Shalloo as Marcellus
- Sam Woolf as Bernardo
- Hera Gibson as Francisco
Where is Hamnet filmed?
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Hamnet filmed in the UK, including locations in Wales, in July of 2024.
Is There a Trailer For Hamnet Available Online?
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Yes, fans can enjoy a new trailer! Honestly, if the movie is as good as the trailer, I won’t be surprised if nabs more than one Oscar nomination. A pure masterpiece, evident by the artful trailer alone.
Are you guys as thrilled for the movie as we are? I personally can’t wait to uncover the love story between the most famous writer in the world and his beloved wife. It will be fascinating to witness the heartache, grief, and torment that inspired the greatest written play of all time.
Is Hamnet based on a true story?
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Hamnet is a fictionalized account of how William Shakespeare lost his son, which did happen IRL. While we don’t know exactly how the family processed their grief, this story allows us to picture it.
What are people saying about Hamnet?
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Cinephiles have taken to social media to rave about the movie, simply based on the trailer and stellar reviews from critics.
“I’m in the theater waiting already,” one person hilariously wrote on the YouTube comments section for the trailer.
“Just looking at this trailer broke my heart. This should be a masterpiece!” another commenter wrote.
“The way I almost wept from the trailer alone proves that this is going to be a top-tier movie for me,” said another.