‘Hamlet’ Trailer Reveals Modern Remake Starring Riz Ahmed

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Riz Ahmed has become a highly acclaimed actor over the past decade, appearing in blockbuster franchises like the Spider-Man Universe (as Carlton Drake in Venom), the Jason Bourne series (as Aaron Kalloor), and Star Wars (Rogue One, as Bohdi Rook). He’s also received major recognition for his work, winning both an Oscar for The Long Goodbye in 2022 and an Emmy for The Night Of in 2017, establishing him as a standout actor of his generation. After recently voicing Severus Snape in a new audiobook version of the Harry Potter series, Ahmed is taking on another significant role, one rooted in a famous and tragic historical story.

I’m so excited about the new movie Hamlet! I just saw the official trailer, and it looks incredible. Riz Ahmed is playing Hamlet, and the cast is amazing – Art Malik as Claudius, Morfydd Clark as Ophelia, Joe Alwyn as Laertes, and Timothy Spall as Polonius. It premiered at the Telluride Festival last year, in 2025, and it’s a really fresh take on the story. Instead of a traditional setting, this version is set in modern-day London, focusing on the city’s South Asian elite. It’s a really interesting way to bring this classic Shakespearean tragedy to life!

I’m completely captivated by Hamlet! It’s just heartbreaking to see him come home for his father’s funeral only to find his uncle has already married his mother. And then, the ghost of his father appears and reveals the shocking truth – Claudius actually murdered him! It sends Hamlet on this intense journey for revenge, but it’s so much more than that. It unravels all these terrible family secrets and honestly, you start to worry about Hamlet’s sanity as he gets closer to the truth. It’s a really powerful story.

The trailer focuses on Ahmed’s return home and hints at a betrayal by his uncle, leading to the unfolding drama as he reconnects with his family. This modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet uses familiar lines from the original play, but sets the story in the 21st century, offering a fresh perspective on the characters and plot, powerfully brought to life by Ahmed’s performance. You can watch the complete trailer below.

How a Modern-Day Setting Impacts the Classic Hamlet Story


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It’s common to see Shakespeare’s stories retold in modern settings, and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet is a well-known example. The film updated the classic love story to the 1990s while still using Shakespeare’s original dialogue, creating a unique blend of old and new that highlighted the performances of Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes.

This new film, as seen at its premiere in Telluride, is based on Shakespeare’s Hamlet, but it streamlines and rearranges the dialogue. The movie emphasizes Hamlet’s point of view and presents a more concise version of the story, making it easier for viewers unfamiliar with the play to follow what’s happening.

I just got a sneak peek at the new Hamlet adaptation, and honestly, I think it’s going to be a real nail-biter. They’ve leaned heavily into the thriller aspects of the story, which is a smart move. With its release just around the corner, the big question is whether this classic tragedy can stand its ground against today’s blockbusters. It’s facing some tough competition, but I’m cautiously optimistic that it’ll deliver a powerful and gripping experience.

Hamlet will debut in theaters on Apr. 10, 2026.

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2026-02-25 03:32