Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley to Star in Chloé Zhao’s Film Adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet
O’Farrell’s Novel to Receive Big-Screen Adaptation Directed by Chloé Zhao
Acclaimed actors Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley have been signed on to star in the upcoming film adaptation of Hamnet, the bestselling novel by Maggie O’Farrell. The adaptation will be helmed by award-winning director Chloé Zhao.
A Tale of Love and Tragedy
Paul Mescal is set to portray the young William Shakespeare in Hamnet, a heartbreaking story that explores the loss of the playwright’s 11-year-old son to the plague. Jessie Buckley will play Shakespeare’s wife, Anne Hathaway, known as Agnes in O’Farrell’s novel.
Stage Play to Big Screen
Screenwriter Chiara Atik will adapt Lolita Chakrabarti’s stage play, which has enjoyed sold-out runs in Stratford-upon-Avon and the West End, to create the film’s script.
Excitement and Admiration
Speaking about his role in the film, Paul Mescal expressed his enthusiasm, calling O’Farrell’s novel “devastating.” He added, “If I told a younger version of myself that we would be shooting this year, I wouldn’t believe it.” Mescal also praised his co-star, Jessie Buckley, stating, “I think she’s one of our present-day greats.”
Talented Co-Stars
Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley previously worked together in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Lost Daughter, although their characters did not share screen time. Both actors are recent Olivier award winners, with Buckley receiving the award for her performance in Cabaret and Mescal winning for A Streetcar Named Desire.
Director’s Track Record
Director Chloé Zhao, celebrated for her Academy Award-winning film Nomadland, will lead the project. However, her Marvel follow-up, Eternals, received mixed reviews.
Looking Ahead
Paul Mescal expressed his excitement about working with Chloé Zhao, stating, “Chloé is somebody I can’t wait to get in the weeds with and get into the heads of those characters.”
Anticipated Release
The film adaptation of Hamnet is highly anticipated by fans of Maggie O’Farrell and Shakespeare alike. The release date for the project is yet to be announced.
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