WATCH: First trailer drops for Oscar hopeful 'Hamnet' starring prolific Irish acting duo

The first trailer has dropped for 'Hamnet' starring Irish actors Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. 

The film is based on the 2020 novel of the same name by Irish author Maggie O'Farrell. The author also helped to pen the screenplay for the film alongside director Chloe Zhao who is best known for taking the helm of the Oscar-winning Nomadland. 

The film will delve into a fictionalised account of the life and death of William and Agnes Shakespeare's only son Hamnet, who died at the age of eleven in 1596. 

The synopsis reads: "The story of Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare as she struggles to come to terms with the loss of her only son, Hamnet. A human and heart stopping story as the backdrop to the creation of Shakespeare's most famous play 'Hamlet'." 

Maynooth's Paul Mescal will portray the iconic playwright William Shakespeare whilst Killarney's Jessie Buckley will play the role of his wife Agnes as they attempt to deal with the grief of losing their son. 

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Other cast members include Joe Alwyn (The Brutalist) who will play Bartholomew, Emily Watson (Small Things Like These) will portray Mary Shakespeare and Irish actor David Wilmot (Michael Collins) will feature as John. 12-year old Jacobi Jupe (Peter Pan & Wendy) will play the titular role of Hamnet

The film adaptation was originally announced in April 2023, Buckley and Mescal entered into negotiations for the leading roles in May 2024 before filming took place over that summer wrapping in September.

The adaptation which is being tipped to make a big impact during awards season will give Mescal and Buckley another opportunity at achieving Oscar glory.

Both have been nominated before, Mescal for best actor for his role in 'Aftersun' in 2023 and Buckley for best supporting actress in 'The Lost Daughter' from 2022. 

Hamnet will be released through Focus Features with it's parent company Universal Pictures handling international distribution. Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg will also serve as a producer on the film.  

Hamnet will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival next month, it will then be arriving in select cinemas on November 27 before getting a wider release on December 12.