Riz Ahmed: Modern Hamlet Retelling Hits Cinemas as Actor Expands Portfolio
London, 7 February 2026 – British actor and musician Riz Ahmed has dominated the cultural conversation this week following the theatrical release of his highly anticipated modern-day reimagining of Hamlet. Directed by Aneil Karia, the film transposes Shakespeare’s tragedy to contemporary London, focusing on a British South Asian real estate empire. The release marks a significant milestone for Ahmed, who serves as both the lead actor and producer, continuing his trajectory as one of the most versatile and socially conscious figures in global cinema.
A Radical Reinterpretation of Shakespeare
Released in cinemas on Friday, 6 February 2026, the new Hamlet has garnered critical acclaim for its “visceral” and “stark” portrayal of the Prince of Denmark. Ahmed has described the project as a “fresh” and “radical” take, specifically highlighting a reinterpreted “To be or not to be” soliloquy filmed in Kent. The actor expressed his hope that this version, which explores themes of grief and shady family business within the South Asian community, will become a standard text for schools to encourage younger audiences to see themselves in classical stories.
Upcoming Projects: ‘The Big Fix’ and ‘Bait’
Beyond the success of Hamlet, Ahmed is set to begin production on several high-profile projects. He will star alongside Mark Wahlberg in the Netflix sports thriller The Big Fix, with filming scheduled to commence in April 2026. Additionally, Ahmed recently appeared at the Sundance Film Festival to discuss Bait, a new Prime Video series co-starring Guz Khan. The series follows an actor vying for the role of James Bond who becomes entangled in a real-world conspiracy. Reports also link Ahmed to Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s upcoming project, Digger, which is expected to feature Tom Cruise.
Key Facts and Career Milestones
Riz Ahmed’s career spans independent British cinema, Hollywood blockbusters, and award-winning television. Below are the essential details of his professional standing as of February 2026.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Notable Filmography | The Road to Guantanamo (2006), Four Lions (2010), Nightcrawler (2014), Rogue One (2016), Sound of Metal (2019), Hamlet (2026). |
| Major Awards | Academy Award (Best Live Action Short Film for The Long Goodbye), Emmy Award (Outstanding Lead Actor for The Night Of). |
| Current Release | Hamlet (Directed by Aneil Karia), released 6 February 2026. |
| Upcoming Production | The Big Fix (Netflix), filming begins April 2026. |
| Education | Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Riz Ahmed the first Muslim actor to win an Oscar?
Riz Ahmed became the first Muslim actor to win an Academy Award in any performance category when he won Best Live Action Short Film for The Long Goodbye, which he co-wrote and starred in. He was also the first Muslim nominated for Best Actor for his role in Sound of Metal.
What is the setting of Ahmed’s new Hamlet film?
The film is set in modern-day London and centres on a British South Asian family involved in a high-stakes real estate empire. It was directed by Aneil Karia, who previously collaborated with Ahmed on their Oscar-winning short film.
What is ‘The Big Fix’?
The Big Fix is an upcoming sports thriller produced by Chernin Entertainment for Netflix. It stars Riz Ahmed and Mark Wahlberg, with production slated to start in the spring of 2026.