Dancing to Rihanna's 'We Found Love': The Cast of 'Hamnet' Finds Solace on Set
The lead actress of the film "Hamnet," Jessie Buckley, revealed that the cast found solace in dancing to Rihanna's "We Found Love" during emotionally draining days on set. Director Chloe Zhao organized weekly dance breaks to help the actors unwind after portraying grief and hardship on camera. The cast, including Buckley and costar Paul Mescal, would let loose to the upbeat music, creating a lively atmosphere on set.
"Hamnet," released in late November, is a fictionalized account of William Shakespeare's life, focusing on his relationship with his wife, Anne Hathaway. The film delves into the couple's personal tragedy of losing their son, Hamnet, at a young age. The intense script required the actors to delve into heavy emotions, making the dance breaks a welcome relief from the somber scenes they were filming.
Despite capturing moments of the cast dancing to Rihanna's hit song, the footage cannot be released due to the high cost of obtaining the rights to the music. Buckley humorously mentioned the challenge of securing the song, acknowledging Rihanna's likely reluctance to grant permission for its use. The actress shared this amusing anecdote during an interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where she discussed the cast's dance sessions and their connection to the song.
While the cast's dance breaks to "We Found Love" remain a cherished memory from the filming of "Hamnet," the footage will remain unseen due to the financial constraints of licensing the song. The cast's energetic and uplifting dance routines provided a much-needed break from the emotional intensity of the film's narrative, showcasing a lighter side of their on-set experience. Rihanna's infectious music served as a source of joy and camaraderie for the cast, creating a memorable bonding experience during the production of "Hamnet."