At just 11 years old, James Lintern has overcome his shyness to secure a role in one of the most anticipated films of the year, Hamnet. This touching story sheds light on the life of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes, exploring the profound impact of their son Hamnet's untimely death. But here's where it gets intriguing: James was initially enrolled in drama classes by his parents as a way to help him manage his shyness, and this decision led to an unexpected opportunity that few could have predicted.
While attending Stagecoach Performing Arts in Gloucester, James's instructors encouraged him to submit some photos to the casting team behind Hamnet, which has recently been generating buzz after winning two Golden Globes. The film is based on the novel by Maggie O'Farrell and delves into the complexities of Shakespeare's marriage. James won a part as the son of Joan, a character who is a student of Shakespeare's, and he even had the unique experience of delivering two lines in Latin!
In an interview with BBC Points West, James expressed his excitement about being part of a film set, stating, "It was really cool" to work alongside acclaimed actors such as Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal, and Emily Watson. "It felt great because I had got a part in a film," he remarked, reflecting on the friendships he formed during filming.
James's father, Nathan, shared that enrolling his son in drama classes was primarily intended to help boost his confidence, particularly since James had been quite shy in his younger years. "When we signed him up for Stagecoach, it was more about his personal growth than ever imagining anything as wonderful as this," Nathan said, revealing the serendipity of the situation when they received an unexpected call asking for James's photos, which ultimately led them to Elstree studios in London.
Despite still considering himself somewhat shy, James feels he has made significant strides, saying, "I'm not as shy as I used to be." He fondly recalled the wrap party, describing it as a delightful experience where he reconnected with friends and enjoyed the lighter, comedic moments of the film instead of just the serious themes they had worked on.
Hamnet is currently showing in theaters, and it’s a film that promises to resonate with audiences on many levels. What do you think about young actors breaking into major films? Do you believe programs like drama schools truly make a difference in overcoming shyness? Share your thoughts!
