Hamnet: Adapting O’Farrell & Fostering On-Set Creativity

Chloé Zhao, the Oscar-winning director behind films like “Nomadland” and “Eternals,” has been quietly immersed in a very different kind of storytelling with “Hamnet,” a historical drama adapted from Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed 2020 novel. The film, which explores the life and death of William Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, and its profound impact on his family, represents a significant shift in tone and scale for Zhao, and a deep dive into a collaborative creative process she describes as almost ritualistic.

The project began with a crucial conversation with O’Farrell about distilling the essence of the novel for the screen. As Zhao explained, the core of “Hamnet” isn’t simply a historical tragedy, but a study of connection and disconnection. “This film was about two people who are so different and whose differences allowed [them] to witness each other in ways that they have never been seen before,” Zhao said. “But their differences…is also what became an almost impossible gap for them to cross when sizeable life events happen.”

Expanding Shakespeare’s Role and the Power of Creation

One of the key decisions made during the adaptation process was to significantly expand William Shakespeare’s presence in the narrative. While O’Farrell’s novel deliberately keeps the playwright at a remove, Zhao and O’Farrell recognized the importance of bringing him more fully into the script, particularly in relation to the creation of “Hamlet.” The book only features scenes from the play in its opening, but the film weaves it throughout, using the creative process as a mirror to the characters’ emotional journeys. “Once we knew that’s the most important thing, we knew we had to bring William Shakespeare into the script more,” Zhao stated. “And we also know we had to write in a lot of the play.”

This decision reflects a broader theme within the film: the power of art to bridge understanding. The climax of “Hamnet” centers on a pivotal moment at the Globe Theater, where Shakespeare and Agnes, his wife, finally truly *see* each other, not just literally, but through the lens of his creation. It’s a testament to the idea that art can offer a pathway to empathy and connection even in the face of profound grief and loss.

A Ceremonial Approach to Filmmaking

Zhao is known for her distinctive approach to filmmaking, prioritizing collaboration and a deeply immersive atmosphere on set. With “Hamnet,” she took this philosophy even further, describing each day of shooting as a “ceremony.” This wasn’t about efficiency or speed, but about establishing a shared energy and intention among the cast and crew. “We don’t come to set saying attempt to save every minute to produce, produce,” Zhao explained. “We’re like, sometimes an hour or two into the day we’re not shooting. We’re just really setting the mood.”

This involved creating a ritualistic opening to each day, often incorporating music chosen by the actors, played on repeat until the entire company was synchronized. Zhao believes this process allows the team to “vibrate…to the same energy,” fostering a sense of collective creativity. It’s a method that stands in stark contrast to the often-pressured environment of mainstream film production, where time is typically considered a precious commodity.

Dream Work and Unconscious Exploration

Adding another layer to this immersive process was the incorporation of dream work, facilitated by dream coach Kim Gillingham. The practice involved cast and crew members recording their dreams each morning and then, guided by Gillingham, exploring the symbolic meaning within them. The goal wasn’t to interpret the dreams literally, but to tap into the unconscious mind and unlock deeper emotional truths.

“That is where you wish your actors to be, by the way, when they come to set to work,” Zhao noted. “You want them to just be on the edge between knowing and not knowing. That’s where presence is.” The process involved a guided meditation to reach a state of relaxed awareness, followed by a collaborative exploration of the dream’s imagery and emotional resonance. Gillingham would ask probing questions, challenging participants to consider different perspectives and uncover hidden associations. The insights gleaned from these sessions then informed the scenes shot that day, adding a layer of subconscious depth to the performances.

Navigating Creative Blocks and Embracing Emptiness

Zhao’s commitment to a holistic and intuitive creative process extends to her own approach to overcoming creative blocks. She shared a particularly insightful perspective on those periods of emptiness that can plague artists. “When you have a period of your career or your life when it feels like you have a massive creative block…I have learned that that period of emptiness, it is the most juicy period you can have as a creative person,” she said.

She likened this emptiness to “fertile soil,” a necessary stage of decay and renewal. Rather than fighting the block, Zhao advocates for embracing it, allowing oneself to rest and recharge. “Just please sit in it and wait because what is going to come through is going to have the energy of the whole planet helping you grow.” This philosophy reflects a deep understanding of the cyclical nature of creativity and the importance of allowing space for new ideas to emerge.

Finding Freedom Within Constraints

Zhao also offered advice for navigating the challenges of the film industry, particularly for filmmakers working with limited resources. She suggested that constraints can actually be liberating, forcing artists to focus on what truly matters. “When you don’t have something, it always means you have something else, right? So, if you don’t have money, what you have is freedom and time to do whatever the fuck you want,” she said. This freedom allows filmmakers to experiment and seize risks, creating work that is truly unique and personal. She encourages artists to identify what they *can* offer, rather than dwelling on what they lack, and to leverage their strengths to create something that others cannot.

“Hamnet” itself, produced by Heyday Films and Neal Street Productions, represents a departure for Zhao, who previously helmed projects like the Marvel film “Eternals” (Marvel.com) and the critically acclaimed “Nomadland” (Searchlight Pictures). The film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in September 2023 and has garnered significant attention for its sensitive portrayal of grief and its innovative approach to storytelling.

As of early March 2026, a wide theatrical release date for “Hamnet” has not been confirmed, though distribution is handled by Searchlight Pictures. The film is currently slated for a limited release in select theaters, with a potential streaming release on Hulu or Disney+ to follow. The film’s festival run continues, with screenings planned for several upcoming events, including the Berlin International Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival. The focus remains on building critical buzz and securing a strong platform for the film’s release.

Zhao’s next project remains undisclosed, but given her track record, it’s likely to be another ambitious and thought-provoking work that challenges conventional storytelling norms. Her emphasis on collaboration, intuition, and embracing the unknown suggests a continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of cinematic expression. You can find more about Chloé Zhao’s work on her IMDb page.