Who plays William Shakespeare in the movie 'Hamnet'?

Paul Mescal plays William Shakespeare in the film 'Hamnet'.

What is the movie 'Hamnet' about?

'Hamnet' focuses on William Shakespeare's personal tragedy, particularly the death of his son, and how it inspired his play 'Hamlet'.

Did Paul Mescal feel connected to Shakespeare roles?

Initially, Paul Mescal felt a disconnect as an Irish actor, viewing Shakespeare as belonging to British culture, but 'Hamnet' changed his perspective.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Mescal Explores Bard's Heartbreak in 'Hamnet'

Mescal Explores Bard's Heartbreak in 'Hamnet'

8 Jan

•

Summary

Paul Mescal portrays William Shakespeare in 'Hamnet,' focusing on grief.
The film centers on the death of Shakespeare's son, Hamnet.
Mescal initially felt Shakespeare belonged to British actors, not Irish ones.

Mescal Explores Bard's Heartbreak in 'Hamnet'

Irish actor Paul Mescal has taken on the role of William Shakespeare in Chloé Zhao's film "Hamnet," offering a new perspective on the legendary playwright. The movie, inspired by Maggie O'Farrell's novel, centers on the profound grief experienced by Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, following the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet. This personal tragedy is depicted as the catalyst for the creation of "Hamlet."

Mescal, who has achieved significant acclaim early in his career, revealed that he initially felt a sense of detachment from Shakespearean roles due to his Irish heritage. He believed, erroneously, that Shakespeare was solely a British figure. However, his involvement with "Hamnet" allowed him to explore Shakespeare not as an icon, but as an individual processing loss through his art, a relatable concept for creatives.