‘Hamnet’: Chloe Zhao To Direct New Film About Shakespeare’s Wife

The big question surrounding Chloe Zhao right now is what’s next? After winning several Oscars for her work on “Nomadland,” the filmmaker followed that up quickly with Marvel Studios’ “Eternals.” However, since the release of the superhero film, she hasn’t officially announced which film project she’s pursuing next. Perhaps it’s “Hamnet?”

READ MORE: ‘Eternals 2’: Barry Keoghan Had To Text Kumail Nanjani For Updates, But Still Doesn’t Have Answers On A Sequel

According to Deadline, Chloe Zhao has signed on to direct the film, “Hamnet.” Based on the historical fiction novel of the same name by author Maggie O’Farrell, the film will follow the story of Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare. “Hamnet” shows how Agnes reckons with the loss of her young son, Hamnet, as her famous husband creates what will be one of the most beloved plays of all time, “Hamlet.” In addition to directing, Zhao is set to co-write the script alongside O’Farrell.

Again, it’s unclear when we might see Zhao begin work on “Hamnet.” The filmmaker has taken a break after the release of “Eternals” in 2021 and is figuring out which project she wants to make next. She’s long been attached to a film about Bass Reeves, as well as a reimagining of “Dracula.” Plus, there’s whatever else she has in the works that she has yet to announce. Needless to say, it’s unclear where Zhao will lend her talents next. 

Zhao might have won a ton of Oscars and other awards for her work on the film, “Nomadland,” but she broke out in a big way thanks to her previous film, “The Rider.” Of course, the filmmaker did go on to eventually direct “Eternals,” which wasn’t the huge victory lap blockbuster many thought it would be. That film was plagued by divided fan sentiment and bad reviews, which is something Zhao had never experienced up until that point in her filmmaking career. 

Obviously, for people who love “The Rider” and “Nomadland,” the misstep with “Eternals” is hardly enough to dampen their excitement for whatever she’s working on next.