Inside Chloé Zhao’s Next Masterpiece: How ‘Hamnet’ Landed Paul Mescal and Steven Spielberg

Discover key highlights on Inside Chloé Zhao’s Next Masterpiece: How ‘Hamnet’ Landed Paul Mescal and Steven Spielberg.

The artistic bond formed during Hamnet has already transformed upcoming independent productions. Benh Zeitlin, who earned critical acclaim with Beasts of the Southern Wild, had spent years developing Hold On to Your Angels, a southern gothic romance set across the Louisiana bayous. Zeitlin required a central pairing capable of sustained emotional intensity under harsh physical conditions.

After viewing an early cut of Zhao’s feature, Zeitlin approached both Buckley and Mescal to co-star in the project. Both performers signed contracts within weeks of wrapping post-production ADR for Hamnet. For Mescal, the move confirms his preference for visionary, auteur-led projects over standard studio franchise fare. For Buckley, it reinforces her status as one of the most daring screen actors working today. Hollywood casting offices frequently attempt to manufacture romantic chemistry; Zhao simply captured a working rapport so combustible it spawned another major film before the first even hit theaters.