Vertical Acquires New Adaptation of ‘Hamlet’ Featuring Riz Ahmed
EXCLUSIVE: Vertical has secured North American rights to Hamlet, a contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s renowned play. The film reunites acclaimed actor Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal) with director Aneil Karia, following their Oscar win for the Live-Action Short The Long Goodbye in 2020. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on April 10.
Written by Michael Lesslie, who previously adapted Shakespeare in Justin Kurzel’s Macbeth, this version of Hamlet centers around a wealthy British South-Asian family. The narrative follows Hamlet, played by Ahmed, as he returns home for his father’s funeral and discovers his uncle Claudius (Art Malik) plans to marry his mother (Sheeba Chaddha). After the ghost of his father (Avijit Dutt) reveals that Claudius committed murder, Hamlet is consumed by revenge, grappling with the corruption within the family business and questioning his own sanity.
Since its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival last year, the film has been showcased at the Toronto Film Festival, the BFI London Film Festival, and most recently, the Palm Springs Film Festival. The cast also features BAFTA nominee Morfydd Clark (Saint Maud), Joe Alwyn (Hamnet), and BAFTA winner Timothy Spall (Wolf Hall).
“I have been passionate about Hamlet since I first came across the text at 17,” Ahmed stated. “We aimed to create a film that is immediate, visceral, and contemporary, while remaining true to its core themes of family, duty, and corruption. This 500-year-old story feels urgently relevant today, and we’re excited to share it with North American audiences.”
Karia expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Vertical, stating, “Working with Vertical on the North American release of Hamlet is thrilling. This has always been a bold, modern interpretation of the play, and Vertical immediately recognized that ambition. Their commitment to supporting distinctive independent films aligns perfectly with our vision of making Shakespeare accessible to new audiences in a vibrant and uncompromised way.”
Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey added, “We’re thrilled to release this vibrant and kinetic adaptation of Shakespeare to North American audiences later this year. Riz, Aneil, and Michael, together with the cast and crew, have crafted a bold reimagining with a cultural resonance that will captivate moviegoers of all ages.”
Hamlet was produced by Ahmed, Lesslie, James Wilson, Allie Moore, and Tommy Oliver, with executive producers Eva Yates and Claudia Yusef for BBC Film, Louise Ortega for the BFI, Ken Kao and Josh Rosenbaum for Waypoint Entertainment, and P.J. van Sandwijk for Storyteller Productions. The film was financed by Confluential Films, BBC Film, and the BFI, which provided funding from the National Lottery, in association with Waypoint Entertainment.
The acquisition deal was negotiated by SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi and Manager of Acquisitions & Sales Rachel White for Vertical, alongside WME Independent and CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmakers.
