The Hamnet cast features Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal and Emily Watson. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Chloé Zhao’s 2025 movie on Amazon and Peacock. Check out more cast guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast category.

Hamnet explores the relationship between the writer William Shakespeare and his loving wife. As Agnes supports her husband’s career, she struggles emotionally after the death of her son. The narrative follows the main protagonists as they re-connect through literature and theatre. Here’s every actor and character in Hamnet, an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel.

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Hamnet Cast: Jessie Buckley as Agnes

Character Profile: William’s wife. She is a naturalist who suffers an existential crisis after her son’s death. Agnes experiences an epiphany upon attending the first live performance of Hamlet.

Buckley’s Resume: Rose-Lynn in Wild Rose (2018), Lyudmilla Ignatenko in Chernobyl (2019), Oraetta Mayflower in Fargo (2020), Young Leda Caruso in The Lost Daughter (2021), Anna in Fingernails (2023)

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Hamnet Cast: Paul Mescal as Will

Character Profile: A latin tutor and writer. He pursues a romantic relationship with Agnes despite his mother’s concerns. Will temporarily relocates to London for professional opportunities and thus feels guilty about leaving his family behind.

Mescal’s Resume: Connell in Normal People (2020), Will in The Lost Daughter (2021), Calum in Aftersun (2022), Harry in All of Us Strangers (2023), Lucius in Gladiator II (2024)

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Hamnet Cast: Emily Watson as Mary

Character Profile: Will’s mother. She initially believes that Agnes is the daughter of a witch. Agnes changes her mind after learning more about her daughter-in-law.

Watson’s Resume: Bess McNeill in Breaking the Waves (1996), Elsie in Gosford Park (2001), Lena Leonard in Punch-Drunk Love (2002),  Ulana Khomyuk in Chernobyl (2019), Valya Harkonnen in Dune: Prophecy (2024)

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Hamnet Cast: Joe Alwyn as Bartholomew

Character Profile: Agnes’ loyal brother. He offers emotional support as his sister begins a new life with her husband. Bartholomew plays a crucial role in Will’s move to London.

Alwyn’s Resume: Billy in Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk (2016), Masham in The Favourite (2018), Gideon Brodess in Harriet (2019), Nick in Conversations with Friends (2022), Harry Lee in The Brutalist (2024)

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The Hamnet cast also includes:

• Jacobi Jupe as Hamnet
• Olivia Lynes as Judith
• Justine Mitchell as Joan
• David Wilmot as John
• Bodhi Rae Breathnach as Susanna
• Freya Hannan-Mills as Eliza
• James Skinner as Gilbert
• Elliot Baxter as Richard
• Dainton Anderson as Edmond
• Louisa Harland as Rowan

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.