Riz Ahmed leads powerful modern retelling of Hamlet in first trailer for bold new adaptation
Universal Pictures has released the official trailer for Hamlet, a contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, starring and produced by Oscar-winner Riz Ahmed. Directed by Aneil Karia (The Long Goodbye), the film relocates the classic story to a wealthy British South-Asian family, offering a fresh perspective on themes of power, grief, and revenge.
Ahmed plays the troubled prince who returns home for his father’s funeral, only to be confronted with unsettling truths: his uncle Claudius is marrying his recently widowed mother, and the ghost of his father claims to have been murdered. As Hamlet seeks the truth, he’s pulled into a spiral of paranoia and emotional turmoil, questioning the morality of those around him – and himself.
Melding Shakespeare’s original language with a sleek, modern aesthetic, Hamlet blends classical drama with contemporary storytelling. Karia’s direction promises a tense, immersive experience, while Ahmed delivers a raw, urgent performance that brings new resonance to the role.
The cast also features Morfydd Clark, Joe Alwyn, Sheeba Chadha, Art Malik and Timothy Spall. The screenplay comes from Michael Leslie, with production from James Wilson, Allie Moore and Tommy Oliver alongside Ahmed.
The editorial unit
Hamlet is released nationwide on 6th February 2026.
Watch the trailer for Hamlet here:
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