Imagine a 3-year-old’s eyes widening in awe as he watches his big brother on a movie set, only to turn to his mom and ask, ‘How can I do that too?’ That’s exactly what happened when Jacobi Jupe visited his brother Noah on the set of Wonder back in 2017. Fast forward to today, and the Jupe brothers are not just siblings—they’re co-stars in one of the year’s most anticipated films, Hamnet. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: their journey from London siblings to Shakespearean actors is anything but ordinary. And this is the part most people miss: their story isn’t just about talent; it’s about family, support, and the unexpected ways dreams intertwine.
Noah, now 20, has already made waves in Hollywood with roles in A Quiet Place and alongside stars like Christian Bale and Natalie Portman. Jacobi, at just 12, has already graced the screen in Peter Pan & Wendy and Before. But Hamnet, based on Maggie O’Farrell’s best-selling novel, marks their first collaboration—and it’s a doozy. The film delves into the life of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes, exploring the tragic loss of their son, Hamnet, whose death is said to have inspired Hamlet. Controversial interpretation alert: While many assume the connection between Hamnet and Hamlet is straightforward, some scholars argue it’s more complex—a debate that adds layers to the brothers’ roles in the film.
Jacobi landed the role of Hamnet first, working under the direction of Oscar-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao alongside stars like Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. Noah admits he was ‘maybe a tad jealous’—though Jacobi jokingly insists it was ‘a bit more than a tad.’ But the real twist? When Zhao needed someone to play the actor portraying Hamlet within the film, Noah got the call. His mom’s question—‘How would you feel about playing Hamlet?’—set the stage for an emotional symmetry that neither brother saw coming. And this is where it gets controversial: Is it nepotism, or is it the natural evolution of shared passion? The brothers’ dynamic on screen has critics raving, with Jacobi’s heart-wrenching death scene and Noah’s powerful delivery of Shakespeare’s soliloquies stealing the show.
‘When I watch Jacobi, I know every emotion he’s ever felt,’ Noah reflects. ‘There’s no judgment, just pure connection.’ That bond is what makes their performances so compelling—and their off-screen relationship so endearing. Growing up in London with their sister and parents (actress Katy Cavanagh and filmmaker Chris Jupe), the brothers were always surrounded by creativity. But their approach to acting is refreshingly humble. Noah never wanted to be the ‘know-it-all older brother,’ opting instead to let Jacobi find his own path while offering support and protection in an industry that can feel ‘crazy.’
Filming Hamnet took them across Wales and England, with a stunning replica of the 1600s Globe Theatre as their backdrop. Behind the scenes, Jacobi’s knack for eavesdropping—‘He’s too good at finding stuff out,’ Noah laughs—added a layer of sibling mischief to the production. Now, as they look ahead, both brothers are excited for what’s next: Noah with The Death of Robin Hood and The Night Manager, and Jacobi with Victorian Psycho and a plea to ‘please do a comedy.’
For now, though, they’re savoring the novelty of sharing the screen. Their journey raises a thought-provoking question: Is talent inherited, or is it nurtured through shared experiences? Let us know what you think in the comments—do you see their success as a product of family ties, or something more? One thing’s for sure: the Jupe brothers are just getting started, and their story is one you won’t want to miss.
