Steven Spielberg, “The Only Right Choice for 'Hamnet' is Chloe Zhao” Praises

The praise from master filmmaker Steven Spielberg for the upcoming film 〈Hamnet〉, set to release on February 25, is making headlines. Spielberg, who participated as a producer for this work, expressed absolute trust in director Chloe Zhao and urged potential viewers to watch it in theaters.

“A Fateful Choice”… The Tragedy of Shakespeare Crafted by Chloe Zhao

In a recent interview with foreign media, Steven Spielberg stated, “There are times when a story finds its own master, and 〈Hamnet〉 has found its way into the hands of Chloe Zhao,” asserting that there could be no other choice.

〈Hamnet〉 tells the story of Shakespeare, who, after experiencing the greatest loss in life, transformed that pain into art, giving birth to the immortal masterpiece 'Hamlet', along with his wife Agnes. Chloe Zhao, who swept the Academy Awards with 〈Nomadland〉, has once again taken on directing, writing, and editing, infusing her unique aesthetics into this classic narrative.

The Value of ‘Theatrical Release’ that Spielberg Takes Pride In

Spielberg particularly focused on the ‘shared experience’ that 〈Hamnet〉 will provide. He defined theaters as “a large gathering of strangers sharing the same emotions,” emphasizing that “such emotional connections cannot happen in front of a small screen.” This suggests that the deep impact and immersion of 〈Hamnet〉 will create a special experience that unites audiences through the big screen.

From Golden Globe Winner to 8 Oscar Nominations

Having already won the Best Motion Picture and Best Actress awards at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, 〈Hamnet〉 has set an astonishing record of 67 awards and has proven to be this year's most anticipated film by being nominated in 8 categories at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards.

The leading actors are also impressive. Jesse Buckley, recognized for her role in 〈The Lost Daughter〉, plays the role of his wife ‘Agnes’, while Paul Mescal, acclaimed for his performance in 〈Aftersun〉, takes on the role of ‘Shakespeare’, showcasing an explosive acting ensemble. With the endorsement of the master and critical acclaim, 〈Hamnet〉 is expected to deliver a profound resonance in theaters in the first half of 2026.