Universal’s Hamnet leads a quiet weekend for new releases in UK and Ireland cinemas as the awards contender launches in 711 sites.
Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley star in Chloe Zhao’s latest, adapted from the best-selling novel about a fictionalised account of William Shakespeare’s family life. Emily Watson, Joe Alwyn and Jacobi Jupe also star.
It is director Zhao’s widest release, ahead of Disney’s Eternals which opened in 649 locations in 2021 after Covid delays.
Hamnet first premiered at Telluride Film Festival and went on to win a slew of audience awards at festivals including Toronto, London and Valladolid. It was most recently longlisted for 14 Baftas and awaits the results of its six Golden Globe nominations this weekend. Buckley is considered a leading contender for best actress, having already picked up several critics’ awards.
Elsewhere, True Brit Entertainment opens UK boxing drama Giant in 338 cinemas. Amir El-Masry stars in the true-life story of British-Yemeni boxer Prince Naseem ‘Naz’ Hamed, from his working-class upbringing in the 1980s, through his tutelage from Irish boxing trainer Brendan Ingle (played by Pierce Brosnan), and rise to world championship titles and international stardom.
In re-releases, Park Circus is screening the David Bowie-starring Labyrinth in 480 venues for its 40th anniversary.
Documentary Becoming Victoria Wood opens in 68 sites for Dartmouth Films. Catherine Abbott’s film recounts the rise of the late comic and includes talking heads from Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Maxine Peake and more.
Disney’s Avatar: Fire And Ash remains the key holdover title, alongside The Housemaid and Marty Supreme.
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