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Steven Spielberg Makes Surprise Appearance at Chloé Zhao’s ‘Hamnet’ London Premiere

The surprise introduction by producer Steven Spielberg capped the film’s U.K. premiere at the BFI London Film Festival.

Cast members Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal attend the premiere of "Hamnet" at the London Film Festival in London, Britain, October 11, 2025. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska
Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg attend the premiere of "Hamnet" at the London Film Festival in London, Britain, October 11, 2025. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska
Sam Mendes and cast member Paul Mescal attend the premiere of "Hamnet" at the London Film Festival in London, Britain, October 11, 2025. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska
Director Chloe Zhao, and cast members Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal attend the premiere of "Hamnet" at the London Film Festival in London, Britain, October 11, 2025. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska

Overview

  • Spielberg took the stage at Royal Festival Hall to praise Zhao’s filmmaking before the screening, joining fellow producer Sam Mendes and the cast.
  • Zhao addressed the audience and then led a pre-screening breathing exercise with attendees, cast members Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, and producers.
  • The drama centers on Agnes and William Shakespeare processing the loss of their son, with Buckley and Mescal in the lead roles and a score by Max Richter.
  • After a Telluride world premiere, the film won TIFF’s People’s Choice Award and has drawn strong reviews highlighting Buckley’s performance.
  • Focus Features opens the film in select U.S. theaters on November 27 before a December 12 wide release, with a U.K. rollout on January 9 via Universal.