Chloé Zhao Discusses Feminine Power in ‘Hamnet’ and Future Projects After ‘Eternals’

Chloé Zhao recently spoke about her upcoming film, 'Hamnet,' which premieres on December 1, 2023. This marks her return to filmmaking after a four-year break following the release of Marvel's 'Eternals' in 2021. In this new project, which she co-wrote, Zhao focuses on the themes of feminine power and grief, demonstrating a shift from her past narratives.

Zhao has gained significant acclaim in the industry, particularly after winning the Academy Award for Best Director for 'Nomadland' in 2021. This film, celebrated for its intimate portrayal of modern Americana, was a critical success and paved the way for more profound narratives in cinema. The contrast between 'Nomadland' and 'Eternals' highlights her versatility in handling different genres.

Previously, Zhao worked on independent projects such as 'The Rider' (2017) and 'Songs My Brothers Taught Me' (2015), both of which showcase her roots in storytelling derived from real-life experiences. 'Hamnet' reflects her continued exploration of character-driven drama, similar to her earlier work, but now infused with a more mythical aura.

Industry sources confirm that 'Hamnet' is based on Maggie O'Farrell's bestselling novel about the life of William Shakespeare's son and his mother, Anne Hathaway. This choice ties back into Zhao's interest in historical figures while emphasizing the feminine perspective, paralleling discussions held during her work promoting 'Eternals'.

Zhao's upcoming projects extend beyond 'Hamnet'. She is also confirmed to develop a sequel to 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' featuring original characters, a project that comes amidst a resurgence of interest in rebooted 90s franchises. This taps into a larger trend within Hollywood seeking to leverage nostalgia and revitalize popular culture from previous decades.

In terms of her influence, Zhao stands among an increasingly small number of female directors achieving critical and commercial success in a predominantly male-focused industry. This follows a broader trend that began in the late 2010s, where women filmmakers started gaining recognition, exemplified by the critical reception of films like Greta Gerwig's 'Little Women' (2019) and Emerald Fennell's 'Promising Young Woman' (2020).

The release of 'Hamnet' will likely solidify Zhao's unique position as both a commercially viable and critically acclaimed filmmaker. As the industry continues to evolve, her work exemplifies the demand for films that challenge conventional narratives while focusing on female protagonists.

Looking ahead, Zhao is expected to be part of several significant festivals, including the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024. This could mark a further opportunity for her to engage with audiences and critics regarding her evolving body of work.

In summary, Zhao’s work on 'Hamnet' underscores her ability to blend historical storytelling with complex emotional themes, ushering in new perspectives on feminine power in cinema.