Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal circling lead roles in Chloe Zhao's 'Hamnet'

Los Angeles: British actor Jessie Buckley and "Aftersun" star Paul Mescal are in negotiations to play lead roles in Oscar winner Chloe Zhao's next feature directorial project.

The film, which is backed by Amblin Partners, Hera Pictures, Neal Street Productions and Book of Shadows, is an adaptation of Irish author Maggie O’Farrell's novel of the same title, reported entertainment news website Variety.

Published in 2020, the novel became a New York Times bestseller. It follows the story of William Shakespeare’s wife Agnes as she grieves the death of her only son, 11-year-old Hamnet, to the bubonic plague.

The novel also traces the beginnings of Agnes’ relationship with young Shakespeare, who is never named, known only as the world’s most famous playwright.

Zhao, who won the Oscar for best director for her 2020 movie "Nomadland", will pen the script for "Hamnet" with O’Farrell.

Liza Marshall, Pippa Harris and Sam Mendes are producing, with Nic Gonda executive producing for Book of Shadows.

Buckley is best known for performances in movies such as "The Lost Daughter", "Women Talking" and "I’m Thinking of Ending Things". She will be next seen in the comedy-drama "Wicked Little Letters", co-starring Olivia Colman.

Mescal is a rising talent in the West, owing to his critically-acclaimed performances in "Normal People" series, indie dramas "Aftersun" and "God’s Creatures". His upcoming movies include Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" sequel and Garth Davis' "Foe".