O'Farrell's Hamnet optioned by Hera Pictures

TV and film rights for Maggie O’Farrell’s Women’s Prize for Fiction-longlisted Hamnet (Tinder Press) have been optioned by Hera Pictures.

The novel, out on 31st March, tells the untold story of Agnes Hathaway, Shakespeare’s lost son, a marriage pushed to the brink by grief and of the power of creativity. “Through reimagining this family, the novel becomes the gripping and tender origin story of the most famous and enigmatic play of all time, Hamlet,” the blurb reads.

TV and film rights were acquired by Hera from Conrad Williams at Blake Friedmann.

Hera Pictures was set up in 2017 by Liza Marshall, previously head of drama at Channel 4. The company’s productions include “Honour” starring Keeley Hawes and written by Gwyneth Hughes for ITV and series two of hit show “Temple” for Sky starring Mark Strong

Marshall said: “I have long been a fan of Maggie’s luminous writing and this immersive novel grabbed me by the heart from its opening. At Hera Pictures, we are drawn to telling and reframing women’s stories and in Maggie’s hands, Agnes lives as a vivid and three-dimensional woman as never before.” 

O’Farrell added: “I’m over the moon that Hamnet is in the hands of such inspired and experienced people as Hera. What could be better than a company named after the goddess of women? I’m really looking forward to witnessing the novel’s journey to screen.”