Ian McKellen Explains Why He's No Fan Of Shakespeare Film Hamnet

One of the most popular Shakespearean actors of his generation has admitted he’s no fan of Hamnet, the latest hit drama about The Bard.

Hamnet stars Jessie Buckley as Shakespeare’s wife, referred to in the movie as Agnes, while Paul Mescal takes on the role of the legendary playwright in Chloe Zhao’s film.

During a recent interview with The Times, Sir Ian McKellen was asked for his thoughts on the tear-jerking drama, admitting that he doesn’t quite “get it”.

“I’m not very interested in trying to work out where Shakespeare’s imagination came from,” he admitted. “But it certainly didn’t just come from family life.”

The iconic thespian was similarly critical about another hit film exploring the Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet writer’s life, Shakespeare In Love.

He explained: “As Hamnet races towards the finishing line as far as Oscars are concerned, it’s likely to repeat the success of Shakespeare In Love, which had odd views as to how plays get put on.

“But then Shakespeare’s perhaps the most famous person who ever lived, so of course there is some interest in what he looked like, what his relationship with his family was. And we can’t know.”

Pointing to some of his specific issues with the plot of Hamnet, he quipped: “The idea Anne Hathaway [Shakespeare’s wife, known as Agnes in the new film] has never seen a play before? It’s improbable, considering what her husband did for a living. And she doesn’t seem to know what a play is! I think there are a few doubts of probability.”

With just under a month to go until this year’s Oscars, Hamnet has received an impressive eight nominations.

Jessie Buckley is the current favourite to pick up the Best Actress title, following her success at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards, with many surprised to see that Paul Mescal was snubbed in the Best Supporting Actor category.

The film is also in the running for 11 awards at the Baftas this weekend, including acting nods for Jessie, Paul and their co-star Emily Watson, as well as nominations for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Outstanding British Film and Best Film.