The Sad Tale of Hamnet Shakespeare, Deceased at 11 Years Old

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With the film Hamnet generating Oscar buzz, it’s a good time to remember William Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet Shakespeare, and the tragic story surrounding his life. Mike Orlock, a film critic and former high school English teacher, has reviewed the movie Hamnet for Door County Pulse and Peninsula Pulse. Maggie O’Farrell, author of the 2020 novel Hamnet, had been intrigued by the connection between Shakespeare’s son and the character of Hamlet for over 30 years. The novel, which went on to win the Women’s Prize for Fiction and the American National Book Critics Circle Award, explores the mystery surrounding Hamnet’s early death. Although initially hesitant to adapt her novel, O’Farrell eventually collaborated with director Chloé Zhao on the screenplay. O’Farrell posits that Hamnet would have been the twin brother of Shakespeare’s daughter, Judith. The Shakespeares knew families named Hamnet and Judith in Stratford, possibly their children’s godparents at their baptism in 1585.

The film, which premiered at the 2025 Telluride Film Festival and won the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, was released in the United States and Canada on November 26, 2025, followed by a wider release on December 5, and a UK release on January 9, 2026. Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal star as Agnes and William Shakespeare, with Emily Watson and Joe Alwyn in supporting roles. The production team includes Liza Marshall, Pippa Harris, Nicolas Gonda, Sam Mendes, and Steven Spielberg. Hamnet is available in theaters and for rental on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango. It will also be available for streaming on Peacock. Hamnet Shakespeare was buried on August 11, 1596. He died at the age of 11 during the summer of 1596—a time considered among Shakespeare’s most productive periods in London. Hamnet was buried in the Saint Mary the Virgin churchyard in Stratford-upon-Avon, though it is unknown whether Shakespeare attended the funeral.

A Tragic Legacy Unveiled: Hamnet’s Impact on Shakespeare’s Late Plays

The cause of Hamnet’s death remains uncertain. Some speculate that he succumbed to the bubonic plague, which was widespread in Europe at the time. However, writer Ben Elton, in All Is True (2018), suggests that Hamnet drowned in a pool near Stratford. O’Farrell believes that Shakespeare channeled his grief over Hamnet’s death into his plays, and that the themes of familial loss are evident in works such as The Winter’s Tale and King Lear. Aventuras na Historia suggests that the historical Danish prince Hamlet may have been inspired by Hamnet. Shakespeare began writing Hamlet in 1599, and it became one of his most celebrated works. After Shakespeare completed The Tempest in 1611, he retired from playwriting and returned to his family in New Place, Stratford. His final plays—The Winter’s Tale, Cymbeline, Pericles, and The Tempest—explore themes of regret and redemption, offering a mature reflection on family relationships. The release of the film Hamnet offers audiences an opportunity to reflect on the life and legacy of Shakespeare’s son.

In Case You Missed It

While we’re on the topic of global cinematic recognition, let’s dive into some thrilling news from our film-loving friends at Players for Life. First off, Brazilian film “The Secret Agent” took center stage at the International Cinephile Society Awards, wowing over 170 industry professionals and securing a prestigious Oscar nomination. Sophie Laurent, in her post from February 9th International Cinephile Society Awards Brazilian Film ‘The Secret Agent’, shares this exciting news and more about the buzz surrounding international cinema.

In other cinematic news, Brazil has been making waves at the Oscars! Ahmed Hassan’s post from January 22nd Brazil Breaks National Record with 5 Nominations for the 2026 Oscars delves into the country’s impressive feat of securing five nominations this year, including Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “The Secret Agent” and cinematographer Adolpho Veloso’s outstanding work.

Adding to the excitement, actor Wagner Moura shared his insights on “The Secret Agent” in a captivating interview on The Daily Show with Jordan Klepper. Reflecting on the movie’s dual role as an art piece and a political statement, Moura discussed Americans’ shifting awareness of their nation’s political landscape. Sophie Laurent pensively chronicles this exchange in her latest article published January 17th Wagner Moura Discusses ‘The Secret Agent’ Film on The Daily Show.