Chloé Zhao's Hamnet premieres at Telluride ahead of US release

Chloé Zhao's Hamnet, a lyrical adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's bestselling novel about the Shakespeare family, premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on August 29 and is set for a staggered theatrical rollout that begins in the United States on November 27. The film, which traces the relationship of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes and the aftermath of the death of their 11 year old son Hamnet, has already circulated a first teaser and drawn early critical attention and awards-season buzz.

Focused on Agnes, played by Jessie Buckley, and William, played by Paul Mescal, Hamnet was co-written by Zhao and O'Farrell. The film’s ensemble also includes Jacobi Jupe as Hamnet, Joe Alwyn, Emily Watson and David Wilmot. Reports differ on which studio released the initial teaser; several outlets credit Focus Features with releasing the teaser and images, while other reports name Universal Pictures as having issued the first look. Focus Features is scheduled to handle U.S. distribution, with a limited opening November 27 and a wider expansion in December, and a separate U.K. release currently slated for January 9, 2026.

Zhao, who won Academy Awards for Nomadland, directed and...