Image via Focus Features
Published Feb 3, 2026, 9:01 AM EST
Hamnet is the Golden Globe-winning adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's novel of the same name that tells the story of Agnes (Jessie Buckley) and William Shakespeare's (Paul Mescal) grief over the death of their son, Hamnet (Jacobi Jupe). The Chloé Zhao-directed film is the talk of the award season, especially for Buckley. And now, Hamnet is available to buy or rent with the 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD releasing on March 3, 2026. Collider is excited to share a new featurette to accompany the film's digital release which is all about how the cast created the tight-knit family unit that has resonated with audiences.
Hamnet focuses on Agnes' love story with her husband, how the two built a family together, and the grief they share over the loss of their son. Which, for theatre historians, connects to Shakespeare's loss of his son and how he used his play Hamlet as an escape. Zhao and O'Farrell work to not only showcase the love this family had for each other but use their loss as a way to explore how people can grieve in these moments.
In the featurette, Buckley discusses how it feels like the whole cast should get a sleeper van to go on a trip together, and it really speaks to the beauty of what both Buckley and Mescal were capable of within Hamnet. Mescal’s identity as Shakespeare isn’t revealed until the end, which allows audiences to fall in love with Agnes and the family she built with her husband without the weight of history. It's a very raw, pure exploration of emotions, and ultimately the impact that Hamlet has.
There Is Plenty to Enjoy With the Release
The "Family Is Forever" featurette is just one of the bonus features releasing alongside Hamnet. Additionally, there will be extras focused on Zhao's work as a visionary director and how her vision, along with Buckley and Mescal's performances, helped to bring O'Farrell's work to life; a deep-dive into costuming and production design entitled "Recreating the Tudor Period," is the perfect behind-the-scenes look into crafting the world around the cast; and a complete director's commentary with Zhao.
- FAMILY IS FOREVER — Step behind the scenes of Hamnet and witness the heartwarming connections forged between Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, and the young “Shakespeare children,” culminating in a moving performance of Macbeth’s witches and unforgettable moments with director Chloé Zhao.
- CULTIVATING CREATIVITY — Discover how Chloé Zhao’s visionary direction and infectious warmth inspired Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and Maggie O’Farrell to bring Hamnet to life. Join the cast and crew as they share joyful memories and celebrate the creative magic behind the scenes.
- RECREATING THE TUDOR PERIOD — Explore the extraordinary craftsmanship that built Hamnet's immersive Tudor world, from the stunning recreation of the Globe Theatre to the meticulous period costumes and sets, this featurette invites you to experience the artistry that made history come alive.
- DIRECTOR’S COMMENTARY WITH CHLOÉ ZHAO
Check out the featurette above. Hamnet is now available to watch on digital, ahead of its 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD release in March.
Release Date November 26, 2025
Runtime 126 minutes
Director Chloé Zhao
English (US) ·