A magical casting decision has brought to life a story of loss and art in the movie 'Hamnet'. The film, based on Maggie O'Farrell's beloved novel, centers around the Shakespeare family and their tragic loss of their son Hamnet at a young age. What makes this casting choice so extraordinary is the synchronicity of having Jacobi Jupe, a 12-year-old British actor, play the role of Shakespeare's son, who is believed to have inspired the character of Hamlet. And who better to play Hamlet than Jacobi's own brother, the talented Noah Jupe, who is 20 years old.
Despite their limited screen time, these two brothers bring an incredible depth to the film. They embody the heart and soul of a story that explores grief, art, and the healing power of creation. The movie focuses on the Shakespeare family, portrayed by Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley, who must navigate the cruelest of fates.
Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao, known for her work in 'Nomadland', initially cast Jacobi in the pivotal role of Hamnet. However, as the production neared its end, Zhao realized she hadn't cast someone for the film's final 20-minute sequence, which depicts the first staging of 'Hamlet' at the Globe Theatre in 1599. This is where the story takes an intriguing turn.
Zhao reached out to Katy Cavanagh, the mother of the Jupe brothers, and acquired Noah's contact details. At the time, Noah was filming 'The Carpenter's Son' in Greece alongside Nicolas Cage. Noah, who had been checking in on his little brother during the production, received a call from Zhao while covered in makeup and blood on the Greek set. Zhao asked him a question that would change the course of the film.
Noah instinctively accepted Zhao's offer to play Hamlet and was flown to the UK set within a week. Zhao's unique approach to rehearsals added an authentic touch to the performance. She reduced the rehearsal time, believing that less preparation would result in a more genuine portrayal. As the filmmaking team moved to the Globe Theatre set, Jacobi, having completed his role, was eager to watch his brother from the sidelines. Little did he know, his presence would inspire a poignant alteration to the plot.
Jacobi's Hamnet makes a brief appearance in the final sequence, marking the first time the Jupe brothers shared the same stage. Zhao developed this beautiful moment, where Hamnet comes out on stage after Hamlet's death, connecting with his mother. It's a testament to the synchronicity and spirituality that Zhao brings to her work, where she embraces her ideas wholeheartedly.
Jacobi also spoke about Zhao's warm and spontaneous nature. While filming his character's death scene, the actor emphasized the importance of maintaining a melancholy atmosphere for the performances to feel real. However, every Friday, Zhao would film a 'dance take', allowing the cast to express joy and excitement through dance, often to Rihanna's 'We Found Love'.
But here's where it gets controversial... Zhao noticed something on set that challenged her initial concept of casting the brothers as two sides of the same figure. Noah, with his brown hair, didn't resemble Jacobi, and so a solution was found. They tried blond wigs and straw wigs, but Zhao settled on a yellowish paint smeared over Noah's hair, creating a beautiful representation of Shakespeare's attempt to recreate his son through makeup and hair dye.
One of the most emotionally powerful moments in 'Hamnet' is when Noah's Hamlet experiences a moment of connection with Buckley's sorrowful Agnes. This profound moment was sculpted during the dress rehearsal, where Buckley was the only other actor present. Noah instinctively performed the scene for her, realizing that he was delivering the words to her alone. This energy carried over into the filming, creating a metaphor for the intimate connection between an artist and their audience.
And this is the part most people miss... the film includes a clever meta Easter egg near its final sequence. When Agnes receives the playbill for the first performance of 'Hamlet', it lists the name of the actor playing the title role: 'Mr. Jupe'. A subtle yet powerful nod to the fact that both brothers share the same surname, a lovely touch that brings everything full circle.
'Hamnet' is now playing in theaters, offering a unique and emotionally charged experience. It's a film that explores the depths of grief and the power of art, all brought to life by the incredible talent of the Jupe brothers.
What do you think of this unique casting decision and the resulting film? Do you find the synchronicity and spirituality of Zhao's direction intriguing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
