New Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley film about William Shakespeare and his family has begun production in Wales

Oscar-winning director Chloe Zhao (Nomadland) has started filming her new film Hamnet, which is based on Maggie O’Farrell’s novel of the same name. 

What is it about?

The film is a fictionalised account of the time when William Shakespeare and his wife lost their son, Hamnet. Shakespeare would later adapt his name when creating the play Hamlet. 

Who is in the cast?

Paul Mescal will play Shakespeare, with Jessie Buckley as his wife Anne, who raises the family while Shakespeare was advancing his career in London. 

Jessie Buckley recently appeared with Olivia Colman in the period-comedy Wicked Little Letters, while Mescal will play the lead role in Gladiator 2, due for release in November of this year. 

Buckley and Mescal have previously starred together in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s film The Lost Daughter.

Who is behind it?

The film was written by Zhao and Maggie O’Farrell.  Nicolas Gonda is executive producer.

The producers are Liza Marshall (Hera Pictures), along with Sam Mendes and Pippa Harris (for Neal Street Productions and Amblin Entertainment).

When will it be released?

The film is expected to be released in late 2025 but there is no confirmed date as of yet.