Inside Chloé Zhao’s Vision: How “Hamnet” Became a Filmmaking Journey of Grief and Healing

Chloé Zhao and Jessie Buckley Bring Maggie O’Farrell’s “Hamnet” to Life

Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao has completed her latest film, “Hamnet.” The project is an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel. The movie stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. It tells the story of William Shakespeare’s wife, Agnes, grappling with the death of their son.

The film is set for a theatrical release later this year. According to sources like The Hollywood Reporter, production was an intense, personal journey for everyone involved. Zhao wrote the initial script during a cross-country train ride while processing a personal crisis.

The Creative Process: From Page to Screen

Producer Liza Marshall secured the film rights soon after the novel’s 2020 release. She specifically sought out Zhao for her unique visual style. Zhao agreed on two conditions: that O’Farrell co-write the script, and that Jessie Buckley play the lead role of Agnes.

Casting Paul Mescal as Shakespeare was another key decision. Mescal wanted to portray the playwright as more emotional and animalistic. The supporting cast includes accomplished actors like Emily Watson and Joe Alwyn.

Building a World and Finding an Ending

Production designer Fiona Crombie built detailed sets on a London backlot. They constructed a 75% scale replica of the Globe Theatre for the climactic scenes. Cinematographer Lucasz Zal used a documentary-like style to capture raw performances.

The final scene proved challenging to film. Zhao initially felt the movie lacked a powerful ending. An emotional breakthrough, inspired by Max Richter’s music, led to a complete reshoot of the finale. This new ending provided profound catharsis for the cast and crew.

The making of “Hamnet” was as much about personal transformation as artistic creation. For director Chloé Zhao and star Jessie Buckley, the film became a deeply emotional exploration of loss, art, and motherhood that promises to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Dropping this nugget your way

What is the film “Hamnet” about?

The film adapts Maggie O’Farrell’s novel about Agnes, wife of William Shakespeare. It focuses on her experience of grief after the death of their young son, Hamnet. The story explores how this personal tragedy may have influenced Shakespeare’s writing of “Hamlet.”

Who stars in the “Hamnet” movie?

Jessie Buckley plays the lead role of Agnes Hathaway, Shakespeare’s wife. Paul Mescal portrays a young William Shakespeare. The supporting cast includes Joe Alwyn, Emily Watson, and child actor Jacobi Jupe as Hamnet.

How did Chloé Zhao become involved?

Producer Liza Marshall specifically sought Zhao for her distinctive filmmaking style. Zhao was drawn to the story’s focus on a “witchy” female healer. She agreed to direct after novelist Maggie O’Farrell agreed to co-write the screenplay.

When will “Hamnet” be released?

The film has completed principal photography and post-production. An exact theatrical release date is expected to be announced soon. It will likely premiere at major film festivals before a wider distribution.

How historically accurate is the story?

The novel and film are works of historical fiction based on limited known facts. They imagine the emotional life of Shakespeare’s family, which is not well-documented. The creative team conducted research to ensure period authenticity in settings and costumes.

What was the filming process like?

The production shot exteriors in Wales and built sets outside London. Zhao encouraged improvisation and organic scene development. The cast described the process as intensely emotional and collaborative, with the ending being completely reimagined during filming.