Hera Pictures' Liza Marshall Adapts Maggie O'Farrell's Next Novel After 'Hamnet' Success

The producer behind the Oscar-nominated film is developing the author's upcoming book 'Land' as she continues to build her 'fiercely independent' production company.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Liza Marshall, the Oscar and BAFTA-nominated producer of the hit film "Hamnet," is adapting Maggie O'Farrell's next novel "Land" for her independent production company Hera Pictures. Marshall discovered "Hamnet" before its publication in 2019 and secured the rights, leading to the critically acclaimed film adaptation. Now, she's reuniting with O'Farrell to bring her upcoming novel to the screen, continuing Hera's focus on literary-forward projects.

Why it matters

Marshall's success with "Hamnet" has elevated her profile as a producer with a keen eye for literary adaptations. Her ability to shepherd complex, character-driven stories to the screen, often with female perspectives, has made Hera Pictures one of the U.K.'s most distinctive independent production companies. Securing the rights to O'Farrell's next novel demonstrates Marshall's continued influence and the demand for her unique brand of storytelling.

The details

After reading "Hamnet" months before its publication in 2019, Marshall was the sole bidder for the rights, a decision that paid off as the book became a literary sensation. The film adaptation, directed by Chloé Zhao and starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, has been a box office and awards season hit. Now, Marshall has extended her partnership with O'Farrell, landing the rights to her upcoming novel "Land," a story about a father and son traversing Ireland in 1865 in the aftermath of the Great Hunger. Marshall says she's "really excited to get going" on the project, which has already generated significant pre-publication buzz.

  • Marshall read "Hamnet" and bid on the rights in October 2019, months before the book's publication.
  • "Hamnet" the film premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in 2022.
  • "Land," O'Farrell's next novel, is scheduled for publication in June.

The players

Liza Marshall

The Oscar and BAFTA-nominated producer who founded the independent production company Hera Pictures and is known for her keen eye for literary adaptations.

Maggie O'Farrell

The acclaimed author whose novel "Hamnet" was adapted into a critically acclaimed film, and whose upcoming novel "Land" has already generated significant pre-publication buzz.

Chloé Zhao

The director of the "Hamnet" film adaptation, known for her unique visual style and ability to bring a fresh perspective to literary stories.

Jessie Buckley

The actress who starred as Agnes in the "Hamnet" film adaptation, for which she won a BAFTA award for leading actress.

Paul Mescal

The actor who portrayed William Shakespeare in the "Hamnet" film adaptation.

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What they’re saying

“People are hearing that they have to go to the cinema and watch it with a group of people to experience that emotion altogether. So it's a bit of a phenomenon.”

— Liza Marshall, Producer (Variety)

“It's such a beautiful book and I'm just really excited to get going.”

— Liza Marshall, Producer (Variety)

What’s next

Marshall and Hera Pictures will begin the process of adapting Maggie O'Farrell's upcoming novel "Land" for the screen, with casting and production expected to ramp up later this year.

The takeaway

Liza Marshall's success with the literary adaptation of "Hamnet" has solidified her reputation as a producer with a keen eye for bringing complex, character-driven stories to the screen. Her continued partnership with acclaimed author Maggie O'Farrell underscores Hera Pictures' commitment to fiercely independent, literary-forward projects that resonate with audiences.