Jessie Buckley Discusses Groundbreaking Shakespeare Role in CBS Sunday Morning Interview

Academy Award-nominated actress Jessie Buckley appeared on CBS Sunday Morning. The November 9 broadcast featured an in-depth interview about her latest film role. She stars as Agnes Shakespeare in the new historical drama “Hamnet.”

The segment provided a major platform for the rising star. Buckley discussed her transformative performance alongside co-star Paul Mescal.

What Happened During the Sunday Morning Segment

Buckley sat down with CBS correspondent Seth Doane for the exclusive interview. She explained her approach to playing William Shakespeare’s wife. The conversation explored the emotional depth of her character.

The Irish actress described Agnes as a complex historical figure. She revealed how the role required extensive preparation. Buckley studied the time period and Shakespeare’s family life extensively.

According to CBS News, the interview highlighted Buckley’s rising Hollywood profile. The segment reached millions of Sunday morning viewers across America. This exposure comes just weeks before her film’s theatrical release.

Why This Film Role Marks a Career Turning Point

“Hamnet” represents Buckley’s most significant leading role to date. Director Chloé Zhao selected her for this demanding part. The film adapts Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel.

Buckley’s performance has already generated awards season buzz. Critics praise her portrayal of grief and resilience. The film explores the death of Shakespeare’s son Hamnet.

Focus Features will distribute the movie nationwide next month. The studio has high expectations for its awards potential. Industry tracking suggests strong audience interest.

Understanding the Film’s Historical Context

“Hamnet” reimagines the personal life of William Shakespeare. The story focuses on his relationship with wife Agnes during family tragedy. Their son Hamnet died at age eleven in 1596.

Scholars believe this personal loss influenced Shakespeare’s writing. The film examines how grief shaped his most famous works. It offers a humanizing portrait of the literary icon.

Buckley’s character serves as the emotional anchor throughout the narrative. Her performance captures the strength of a woman often overlooked by history. The film gives Agnes Shakespeare her long-overdue recognition.

Jessie Buckley’s “Hamnet” performance establishes her as a formidable leading actress in historical drama. The CBS Sunday Morning interview introduces this compelling Shakespeare adaptation to mainstream audiences ahead of its December release.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the film “Hamnet” about?

“Hamnet” tells the story of William Shakespeare’s family tragedy. It focuses on the death of his son Hamnet and how this loss affected his marriage to Agnes. The film explores how personal grief influenced Shakespeare’s greatest works.

When does “Hamnet” open in theaters?

The film begins limited release on November 26, 2025. It expands to theaters nationwide on December 12, 2025. Focus Features is handling distribution for the United States market.

Who else stars in the film alongside Jessie Buckley?

Paul Mescal plays William Shakespeare opposite Buckley’s Agnes. The supporting cast includes Joe Alwyn and Noah Jupe. Director Chloé Zhao assembled the ensemble for this historical drama.

How has the film been received by critics?

Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The film currently holds an 87% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics particularly praise Buckley’s performance as awards-worthy.

What other projects has Jessie Buckley recently completed?

Buckley will next appear in “The Bride” alongside Christian Bale. She continues to balance film and television roles strategically. Her career shows careful selection of challenging character parts.