‘Hamnet’ Trailer: Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley Are a Grieving William and Agnes Shakespeare in New Drama From Oscar Winner Chloé Zhao

Parting is such sweet sorrow in the first trailer for Chloe Zhao’s “Hamnet.”

Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel, “Hamnet” tells the story of William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, as they grieve the loss of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet. The film follows the couple as they attempt to reconcile with the loss of their child, and how William Shakespeare began to write his beloved classic, “Hamlet.”

Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley star as William and Agnes Shakespeare, respectively, with Joe Alwyn set as Bartholomew. Jacobi Jupe stars as Hamnet alongside a supporting cast that includes Emily Watson, Jack Shalloo and David Wilmot.

Zhao wrote the screenplay with O’Farrell. Zhao, Steven Spielberg, Sam Mendes, Liza Marshall, Pippa Harris, Nicolas Gonda, Kristie Macosko Krieger and Laurie Borg all serve as producers for the film. “Hamnet” is produced by Amblin Entertainment, Hera Pictures, Neal Street Productions, and Book of Shadows. The film will be distributed by Focus Features domestically, with Universal Pictures internationally. “Hamnet” will have a limited release in theaters on Nov. 27, before expanding to theaters nationwide on Dec. 12.

“Hamnet” marks Zhao’s first movie after Marvel’s “Eternals.” Zhao was the second woman ever to win best director at the Oscars thanks to her acclaimed feature “Nomadland.” The film also won best picture and best actress for Frances McDormand. Zhao’s previous film credits include “Songs My Brothers Taught Me” and “The Rider.”