Hamlet (2025) – the Asian prince of London

David and Elysia dive into Shakespeare's Hamlet, opening with a discussion of the play itself and some of the most classic film and stage adaptations, not to mention the whole sub-genre of films loosely adapting and referencing the Bard's longest work.With that foundation laid, they turn their attention to the new adaptation starring Riz Ahmed, directed by Aneil Karia, that debuted at Telluride last year and is opening in theaters across North America today, April 10. How faithful is this new incarnation of the story, set in London's Asian community in the modern day? And what does and doesn't work when breaking down the source material to create what they call "the boldest adaptation to date"?Links discussed:"The Name of Action" short docThis American Life: "Act V"Bait TV series: trailerHamlet adaptations discussed:Hamlet (1948) – Directed by Laurence Olivier, starring Laurence OlivierHamlet (1990) – Directed by Franco Zeffirelli, starring Mel GibsonHamlet (1996) – Directed by Kenneth Branagh, starring Kenneth BranaghHamlet (2009) – Directed by Gregory Doran, starring David TennantHamlet (2018) – Directed by Rhodri Huw and Robert Icke, starring Andrew ScottHamlet (2024) – Directed by Sean Mathias, starring Ian McKellenHamlet (2025) – Directed by Aneil Karia, starring Riz AhmedHamlet: National Theatre Live (2026) – Directed by Robert Hastie, starring Hiran AbeysekeraOther films discussed:Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (1990) – Directed by Tom StoppardThe Lion King (1994) – Directed by Roger Allers and Rob MinkoffIn the Bleak Midwinter (1995) – Directed by Kenneth BranaghRosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead (2009) – Directed by Jordan GallandOphelia (2018) – Directed by Claire McCarthyThe Northman (2022) – Directed by Robert EggersGrand Theft Hamlet (2024) – Directed by Sam Crane and Pinny GryllsKing Hamlet (2025) – Directed by Elvira LindScarlet (2026) – Directed by Mamoru HosodaPatreon, Supercast, Discord, and Network Affiliates: linktr.ee/thelorehoundsSend your questions and feedback to [email protected] opinions stated are ours personally and do not reflect the opinion of or belong to any employers or other entities