Overview

• Spielberg, a producer on Hamnet, introduced the screening at Royal Festival Hall and praised Zhao's filmmaking before the London Film Festival premiere.
• The period drama focuses on Agnes Shakespeare’s grief following her son’s death, with Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal leading the cast.
• Hamnet premiered at Telluride and won TIFF’s People’s Choice Award, drawing strong critical notices that single out Buckley’s performance.
• Focus Features will open the film in limited release in the U.S. and Canada on Nov. 27, expand wide on Dec. 12, and Universal will release it in the U.K. on Jan. 9.
• Marketing has accelerated with the first full trailer and prominent backing from producers Steven Spielberg and Sam Mendes, with an original score by Max Richter.