Hamlet (2025 film)
| Hamlet | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Aneil Karia |
| Screenplay by | Michael Lesslie |
| Based on | Hamlet by William Shakespeare |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Stuart Bentley[1] |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Maxwell Sterling[1] |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Focus Features Universal Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 114 minutes[2] |
| Country | United Kingdom[2] |
| Language | English |
Hamlet is an upcoming British drama film based on William Shakespeare's Hamlet, reimagined in present-day London. Directed by Aneil Karia and written by Michael Lesslie, it stars Riz Ahmed, Morfydd Clark and Joe Alwyn. The film is set to have its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2025.
Premise
Haunted by his father’s ghost, Prince Hamlet descends from elite London society into the city's underground, moving between Hindu temples and homeless camps. In seeking to avenge his father's murder, he begins to question his own role in his family's corruption.[4]
Cast
- Riz Ahmed as Prince Hamlet
- Morfydd Clark as Ophelia
- Joe Alwyn as Laertes
- Timothy Spall
- Art Malik
- Sheeba Chaddha
- Avijit Dutt[2]
Production
In October 2017, a Hamlet film adaptation written by Mike Lesslie and starring Riz Ahmed was announced, with Netflix in talks to finance and distribute.[5] After years in development, Aneil Karia was attached as director in May 2022. Ahmed stars and serves as a producer alongside Allie Moore for Left-Handed Films, Lesslie for Storyteller Films, and Jim Wilson. Tommy Oliver produced and co-financed through Confluential Films.[4] Morfydd Clark and Joe Alwyn were cast as Ophelia and Laertes, respectively.[6] Additionally, Sheeba Chaddha, Art Malik, and Timothy Spall have undisclosed roles.[1]
Principal photography took place in London, England from 8 November to 21 December 2023.[7][8]
Release
In January 2024, Focus Features acquired international distribution rights to the film.[4] Hamlet will have its Canadian premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival on September 5.[2][9]
References
- ^ a b c "British Council UK Films Database: Hamlet". British Council. 5 August 2025. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Hamlet". Toronto International Film Festival. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
- ^ Welk, Brian (19 March 2024). "Neon Gets More Financial Firepower with Help from Cuckoo Producers". IndieWire. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
- ^ a b c Keslassy, Elsa (18 May 2024). "Hamlet Starring Riz Ahmed Bought by Focus Features for International Rights". Variety. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
- ^ Busch, Anita (16 October 2017). "Emmy Winner Riz Ahmed In Negotiations With Netflix On Hamlet". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (11 May 2022). "Oscar Winners Riz Ahmed & Aneil Karia Team For Modern Hamlet With Morfydd Clark, Joe Alwyn & WME Independent; Duo Give Exclusive Interview About Their Timely Adaptation — Cannes Market Hot Package". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
- ^ Daniels, Nia (8 November 2023). "Riz Ahmed's modern-day Hamlet adaptation begins filming in London". Screen Global Production. Retrieved 10 November 2023.
- ^ Geisinger, Gabriella (22 December 2023). "Riz Ahmed's Hamlet wraps production in London". Screen Global Production. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (5 August 2025). "TIFF Centrepiece Section Counts 55 Titles Including Pics Starring Shailene Woodley, Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, Samara Weaving, Stephen Graham & More". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 5 August 2025.