- Primary Subject: Sir Ian McKellen’s critique of the film Hamnet
- Key Update: Legendary Shakespearean actor Sir Ian McKellen has voiced strong skepticism toward the Oscar frontrunner Hamnet.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: February 18, 2026
- Quick Answer: Ian McKellen dislikes Hamnet because he finds its portrayal of Shakespeare’s wife as theater-illiterate "improbable" and disagrees with the film’s interpretation of the Bard's inspiration.
Sir Ian McKellen recently expressed his disappointment over Chloe Zhao's Shakespeare-themed film Hamnet. Here's why it did not click for him.
The film has emerged as one of the favorites to win Best Picture at the Oscars during awards season. Aside from the top category, it is also nominated in eight other categories, including Best Actress for Jessie Buckley and Best Director for Zhao. However, despite the acclaim, a prominent Shakespeare actor is apparently not a fan at all.
Why Sir Ian McKellen is Not a Fan of Hamnet
In an interview with The Times, McKellen admitted that he doesn't "quite get" Hamnet and he has issues with its storytelling, particularly on its exploration of William Shakespeare's artistry.
In his illustrious career, the legendary actor has starred in various Shakespeare plays. He was notably part of the Royal Shakespeare Company in the earlier years of his career.
"I don't quite get it. I'm not very interested in trying to work out where Shakespeare's imagination came from, but it certainly didn't just come from family life," the actor said.
McKellen listed one of the reasons why the film did not work for him as a long-time Shakespeare performer.
"The idea Anne Hathaway 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," he said.
However, despite his disdain, he noted that the film will likely do well at Oscar night, similar to Shakespeare in Love's performance.
"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," McKellen said.
"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."
What is Hamnet About?
Based on Maggie O'Farrell's novel, Hamnet follows Agnes and William Shakespeare as they grapple with grief in 16th-century England after losing their son Hamnet to the plague. A healer, Agnes must find strength to care for her surviving children while processing her devastating loss. Meanwhile, William is coping by writing the play Hamlet.
The cast includes Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn, Jacobi Jupe, Olivia Lynes, and Noah Jupe. Chloe Zhao directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay with O'Farrell. Steven Spielberg serves as one of the producers.
It is currently nominated for nine Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director (Zhao), Best Actress (Buckley), and Best Adapted Screenplay.
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