Riz Ahmed Was ‘Obsessed’ with “Hamlet” as a Teen. Now He’s Putting His Own Spin on It (Exclusive)

Riz Ahmed Reveals Teenage Obsession with ‘Hamlet’ Leading to His Own Spin on the Classic Play

Riz Ahmed, the talented actor, leads a new big-screen adaptation of William Shakespeare’s timeless classic, “Hamlet,” which made its debut at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival in 2025. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Ahmed shared how his fascination with the play began during his teenage years, describing it as an obsession that has now culminated in his unique interpretation of the iconic character.

The adaptation, directed by Aneil Karia, transports the audience into modern-day London, with Ahmed’s portrayal of Hamlet taking on a fresh perspective. One standout scene features Ahmed delivering the famous “To be or not to be” soliloquy from behind the wheel of a car, daringly speeding against oncoming traffic. This bold choice adds a new layer of intensity to the character’s internal struggles and dilemmas.

During a conversation at the Toronto International Film Festival, Ahmed reflected on his deep connection with “Hamlet,” stating that the play resonated with him at a crucial juncture in his youth. He shared, “I found it at a moment when it just resonated with me deeply, as a young man trying to work out, what does it mean to be a man?” This introspective journey has informed Ahmed’s portrayal of Hamlet, adding depth and authenticity to his performance.

Contrary to popular belief, Ahmed highlighted that the pivotal “To be or not to be” speech is not solely about contemplating suicide, as traditionally taught. Instead, he views it as a powerful reflection on the choice between accepting injustice passively or risking everything to fight back. By setting this moment in a high-speed drive against traffic, the film captures the essence of inner struggle and the courage needed to confront adversity.

In this contemporary retelling set within London’s South Asian community, Hamlet’s quest for truth unfolds against the backdrop of an Indian wedding, offering a fresh perspective on the familiar narrative. Ahmed, both the star and producer of the film, collaborates with director Aneil Karia to bring a nuanced portrayal of grief, powerlessness, and moral dilemmas that resonate in today’s world as much as they did centuries ago.

Ahmed also shared insights into the process of mastering Shakespeare’s intricate language, praising the rhythmic iambic pentameter for its hypnotic quality. He explained, “The dialogue works its way into your mind and your body in a very hypnotic way. You can just instinctively feel when something’s off.” This deep immersion in Shakespeare’s verse allowed Ahmed to embody the complexity of Hamlet’s character with ease and authenticity.

As the film prepares for its release by Focus Features following successful premieres in Telluride and Toronto, audiences can look forward to a reimagined “Hamlet” that combines timeless themes with a contemporary sensibility. With a talented ensemble cast including Morfydd Clark, Joe Alwyn, Art Malik, Timothy Spall, Sheeba Chaddha, and Avijit Dutt, Ahmed’s passion project promises to offer a fresh perspective on a classic tale.

In conclusion, Riz Ahmed’s journey from a teenage admirer of “Hamlet” to the lead in a modern adaptation is a testament to his commitment to storytelling and the enduring power of Shakespeare’s work. By infusing the classic play with his own interpretation and setting it in a contemporary context, Ahmed brings a new vitality to a beloved literary masterpiece, inviting audiences to rediscover the timeless themes that continue to resonate across generations.