**Ashley Williams and Niall Matter Bring Shakespearean Flair to Hallmark with ‘Much About Love’**
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This Saturday, Hallmark Channel will unveil its latest romantic comedy, ‘Much About Love,’ featuring Ashley Williams and Niall Matter. The film is inspired by William Shakespeare’s beloved play, ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ and is co-written by Williams and her husband, Neal Dodson.
In an interview, Williams expressed her enthusiasm for working alongside Matter, stating that his energy and wit were essential to the film’s success. “I had been imagining Niall saying all of the lines for literally years,” she noted. The dynamic between their characters, Bea and Benny, is rooted in a “skirmish of wit,” reflecting Shakespeare’s original portrayal of Beatrice and Benedick.
Williams and Matter previously collaborated on Hallmark’s 2020 film, ‘Never Kiss a Man in a Christmas Sweater.’ Their chemistry is evident, with Williams recalling that the script’s pacing had to be adjusted due to their rapid-fire dialogue. “It’s hard for me to find a co-star who talks as fast as I do, but Niall Matter does,” she admitted.
Matter, known for his playful presence, brought more than just quick banter to the production. “Niall’s got this playfulness about him that ignites a playfulness in me,” Williams explained. This synergy allowed them to explore the comedic elements of the story through their characters, resulting in a light-hearted take on Shakespeare.
The idea for ‘Much About Love’ was born during intimate discussions between Williams and Dodson on their date nights. The couple sought to create a Hallmark film set at a Shakespeare festival, initially considering ‘Taming of the Shrew.’ Williams revealed that they had previously discussed the potential of this play as a narrative of female empowerment. Drawing inspiration from their conversations and Dodson’s experience at the Utah Shakespeare Festival, they outlined a story that mirrors their vision.
In the film, Williams’ character Bea embodies the spirit of a real-life mentor, Peggy Shannon, who played a pivotal role in a previous adaptation of ‘Taming of the Shrew.’ Williams creatively integrated elements of Shannon’s influence into the character, highlighting the importance of female empowerment. The actress felt a personal connection to Bea, as the character also serves as a director.
Furthermore, Williams incorporated personal touches throughout the film, including artwork created by her 11-year-old son, Gus. “We wanted to keep Shakespeare relevant and make it feel accessible,” she said, emphasising the importance of nurturing a connection with younger audiences.
Having wrapped filming for ‘Much About Love,’ Williams is bustling with projects, including a Christmas film starring Alison Sweeney. “We’re having such a good time making this movie,” she remarked, expressing her excitement about working with esteemed professionals in the industry.
Looking ahead, Williams is set to direct another episode of ‘The Rookie’ this fall. Describing her life as a series of interconnected performances, she relishes the variety her career offers.
In addition to her film projects, Williams is also involved in charity work for the Alzheimer’s Association. She is preparing for a dance-themed fundraiser, “Dance Party to End ALZ,” which promises to be both a fun and impactful event, raising money for ongoing scientific studies in Alzheimer’s research. Highlighting the difference this event could make, Williams expressed her anticipation for the tangible effects of their fundraising.
‘Much About Love’ is scheduled to debut on Saturday, August 29, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Hallmark Channel, followed by its availability on Hallmark+ the following day. With promising performances, a clever integration of Shakespearean themes, and heartfelt personal touches, the film sets itself apart as a delightful addition to the Hallmark Channel portfolio.