Shakespeare Birthplace Trust welcomes the release of Hamnet, directed by Chloé Zhao as it is released today, 9 January 2026, in the UK.
Starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, based on the novel by Maggie O’Farrell, the film explores love and loss in the lives of Agnes (Anne) and William Shakespeare and the enduring attention to dramatic treatment of grief in Shakespeare’s art.
Since 1892, the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust has continued to care for the history into which Shakespeare was born, the homes and landscapes that inspired him, the communities that nurtured him and the powerful and passionate relationships that may have shaped his work.
Rachael North, Chief Executive of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said: “We hope the film inspires more people to come and walk in Anne (or Agnes), William and Hamnet’s footsteps so they can experience first-hand the love and loss that is at the heart of their story. Maggie O’Farrell was inspired by visiting our world-famous Stratford-upon-Avon properties and exploring the family’s personal story and we hope our buildings offer all our visitors’ moments which are inspiring and revelatory.
“As well as bringing to life the stories of the Shakespeare family, the film brings Anne’s childhood home to life as a unique building which has stood for centuries and of which we are proud custodians. The cottage, and the tragic story of Hamnet, reveal the human side of Shakespeare, Anne and their family, we invite people to visit our properties, and the heart of Warwickshire, to uncover and reflect on Shakespeare’s legacy and inspirations for themselves.”
To find out more and plan your visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, including Shakespeare’s Birthplace and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, New Place Gardens, and both the playwright’s Schoolroom and final resting place, his grave at Holy Trinity Church, visit www.shakespeare.org.uk
Hamnet is a historical drama film co-edited and directed by Chloé Zhao, who co-wrote the screenplay with original author Maggie O'Farrell, based on O’Farrell’s multi award-winning 2020 novel. A Universal Pictures film, Hamnet is released in the UK on 9 January 2026 with various category nominations for the 2026 Golden Globes (11 Jan) and Academy Awards (15 March).
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