Renowned Shakespearean actor voices doubts over Oscar frontrunner Hamnet

EntertainmentMovie
16 Feb 2026 • 1:39 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Sir Ian McKellen, a renowned Shakespearean actor and Academy member, has voiced his reservations about the film Hamnet, despite its significant Oscar buzz.
  • McKellen stated he is “not very interested in trying to work out where Shakespeare’s imagination came from” and believes it did not solely originate from family life.
  • He predicted the film would win several Oscars but described certain plot details, such as Jessie Buckley's supposed ignorance of plays, as “improbable”.
  • The film, based on Maggie O'Farrell's novel, fictionalises how the death of Shakespeare's 11-year-old son might have inspired his famous play Hamlet.
  • Hamnet has garnered eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and has achieved box office success, grossing $74m globally.

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