Where to watch Hamnet is one of the most searched questions among movie fans in early 2026, as audiences across the United States anticipate the release of the new historical drama based on Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel. Directed by Academy Award nominee Chloé Zhao, the film adaptation has quickly become one of the year’s most talked-about releases thanks to its stellar cast, acclaimed source material, and connection to Shakespeare’s legacy.
As of January 22, 2026, the film Hamnet is scheduled for a limited U.S. theatrical release on April 10, 2026, followed by a global streaming debut on Peacock in summer 2026. The release strategy will allow American audiences to see the movie in select theaters before it becomes widely available online.
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Overview of the Film Hamnet
Hamnet is a period drama inspired by the 2020 novel of the same name by Maggie O’Farrell, which reimagines the story of William Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet, who died at age 11 in 1596. The novel—and now the film—portrays the emotional impact of that loss on the Shakespeare family, particularly through the perspective of his wife, Agnes Hathaway (often known as Anne Hathaway in historical accounts).
The film is directed by Chloé Zhao, known for her Oscar-winning work on Nomadland, and produced by Amblin Partners, Universal Pictures, and House Productions in association with BBC Film. It stars Jessie Buckley as Agnes and Paul Mescal as William Shakespeare, both of whom have earned critical praise for their performances during early festival screenings in Europe.
U.S. Release Date and Theatrical Plans
For audiences wondering where to watch Hamnet, the first opportunity will come in theaters. Universal Pictures confirmed that Hamnet will premiere in select U.S. cities on April 10, 2026, with nationwide expansion in the following weeks depending on audience response and box office performance.
Early screenings at international film festivals, including the 2025 Venice Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), received standing ovations, generating strong word-of-mouth ahead of its U.S. debut.
The theatrical release will include screenings in major metropolitan areas such as:
- Los Angeles, California
- New York City, New York
- Chicago, Illinois
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Austin, Texas
- San Francisco, California
- Washington, D.C.
Tickets will be available through standard box office outlets and apps such as Fandango, AMC Theatres, and Regal Cinemas beginning in late March 2026.
Where to Watch Hamnet Online
After its exclusive theatrical window, Hamnet will stream exclusively on Peacock, NBCUniversal’s official streaming service. Universal Pictures, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal, confirmed that the film will follow the company’s standard post-theatrical release model.
Streaming Details
- Platform: Peacock (U.S. exclusive)
- Expected Streaming Launch: Summer 2026 (exact date TBA)
- Availability: Included for all Peacock Premium and Premium Plus subscribers
Once released, Hamnet will also be available for digital purchase or rental through services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google TV, and Vudu, typically 45–60 days after its theatrical premiere.
This release schedule aligns with other Universal titles such as Oppenheimer and The Holdovers, which transitioned from theaters to Peacock roughly two months after their cinema debut.
How to Watch Hamnet on Peacock
Peacock offers several subscription options for viewers planning to stream Hamnet when it becomes available:
| Plan | Price (Monthly) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Peacock Premium | $5.99 | Access to all movies and TV shows with limited ads |
| Peacock Premium Plus | $11.99 | Ad-free viewing, download capability, and live channel access |
Viewers can watch Hamnet on any device that supports the Peacock app, including smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Android and iOS devices, and game consoles. Subscribers will also be able to stream it in HD, with select devices supporting 4K playback.
International Availability
While this article focuses on where to watch Hamnet in the United States, international release plans are also underway. The film will open in the United Kingdom and Ireland one week earlier, on April 3, 2026, distributed by Universal Pictures International.
Streaming rights outside the U.S. will vary by region. In most European territories, Hamnet is expected to debut later in 2026 on Sky Cinema and NOW, as NBCUniversal’s European partners operate under the Sky brand.
For Canadian viewers, Hamnet will likely stream on Crave, which holds distribution partnerships with major U.S. studios for post-theatrical releases.
Cast and Characters
The casting of Hamnet has been a significant part of its appeal. The film unites some of the most respected young actors in British and Irish cinema:
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Jessie Buckley | Agnes Hathaway (Shakespeare’s wife) |
| Paul Mescal | William Shakespeare |
| Tom Holland | Hamnet Shakespeare |
| Fionn Whitehead | Edmund Shakespeare (William’s brother) |
| Emily Watson | Mary Arden (William’s mother) |
| Andrew Scott | Richard Burbage (actor and colleague of Shakespeare) |
Both Buckley and Mescal received widespread praise from early reviewers for their chemistry and emotional depth. Critics described the film as visually lyrical, maintaining Chloé Zhao’s signature style of natural light and minimalist storytelling.
Story and Themes
Hamnet explores universal themes of love, loss, creativity, and grief, set against the backdrop of Elizabethan England. The story focuses less on Shakespeare’s fame and more on his family life, particularly the impact of Hamnet’s death on his art and marriage.
The narrative draws a symbolic connection between Hamnet and Hamlet, Shakespeare’s later play that many scholars believe was inspired by his son’s passing.
Zhao’s direction emphasizes emotional realism over theatrical spectacle, portraying the Shakespeares as a couple navigating personal tragedy while living in a society bound by gender and class expectations.
Why Hamnet Is One of 2026’s Most Anticipated Films
Several factors contribute to the immense anticipation surrounding Hamnet:
- Award-winning Source Material: Maggie O’Farrell’s novel won the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2020 and appeared on multiple “Best Books of the Year” lists.
- Acclaimed Director: Chloé Zhao’s previous films (Nomadland, The Rider) earned global recognition for their poetic visual style.
- Star Power: Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, both Oscar nominees, are considered two of the most talented actors of their generation.
- Historical Relevance: The story humanizes William Shakespeare, showing him as a father and husband rather than a distant literary figure.
These elements have positioned Hamnet as a potential awards-season contender for 2026–2027 once it reaches general audiences.
Cinematic Style and Production
The film was shot on location in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, and surrounding Warwickshire countryside areas, staying true to its historical setting. Cinematographer Joshua James Richards, Zhao’s longtime collaborator, used natural lighting and handheld camera techniques to give the film a grounded, intimate tone.
Production wrapped in late 2025, with post-production completed in early 2026. The score, composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir, blends traditional strings with modern orchestral textures, reflecting the film’s emotional intensity.
Expected Awards and Critical Response
Although the film has not yet been released in the U.S., early festival reviews suggest Hamnet could emerge as one of 2026’s strongest contenders for major awards. European critics have praised its restrained storytelling, visual beauty, and emotional resonance.
At the Venice Film Festival, Hamnet received a nine-minute standing ovation, with critics applauding Zhao’s adaptation of a beloved novel that balances authenticity with artistic interpretation.
If critical reception remains strong, the film is expected to feature prominently in next year’s Academy Awards race, particularly in categories such as Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Cinematography.
How Long Hamnet Will Be in Theaters
Universal Pictures typically maintains a 45-day theatrical window before moving films to streaming. Based on this schedule, Hamnet should remain in theaters until late May 2026, depending on box office demand.
Art-house theaters and independent cinema chains may extend showings, especially if the film gains awards buzz or strong audience reviews.
Why You Should Watch Hamnet
For American audiences, Hamnet offers more than a historical drama—it’s an exploration of creativity born from grief and the personal struggles behind timeless art. It brings humanity to one of the most iconic writers in history and gives voice to the woman often overshadowed in his legacy.
The film’s emotional power, outstanding performances, and artistic visuals make it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates storytelling that lingers long after the credits roll.
In summary, for those wondering where to watch Hamnet, the movie will premiere in U.S. theaters on April 10, 2026, before arriving on Peacock in summer 2026. Viewers can look forward to a visually stunning and emotionally profound adaptation that honors one of literature’s most moving stories.
What excites you most about seeing Hamnet — the story, the cast, or the connection to Shakespeare’s legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
