Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman to star in drama Elsinore
Andrew Scott (All of Us Strangers, Ripley and the forthcoming Pressure) and Olivia Colman (The Favourite) are set to star in Elsinore. Based on the life of Scottish actor Ian Charleson (Chariots Of Fire), it has Simon Stone (The Dig) set to direct, with the film written by BAFTA winner nominee Stephen Beresford (Pride).
Andrew Scott is also a producer on this powerful, deeply moving and inspiring true story of the actor Ian Charleson who faced incredible odds while preparing to give the performance of his life in Hamlet at the National Theatre in London. Stephen Beresford is also an EP on the film, along with Ethan Silverman who originated the project.
Charleson will always be remembered for his role as Eric Liddell in Chariots Of Fire. He also starred in the 1982 Oscar winning Ghandi playing Rev Charlie Andrews and was a renowned stage actor who Sir Ian McKellen called “the perfect Hamlet“, hence the film taking on the name of Elsinore Kronborg Castle in Helsingør Denmark, also known as ‘Hamlet’s Castle’.
Ian Charleson was diagnosed with HIV in 1986 and died in 1990 of AIDs related issues.
The film hasn’t announced any more of the cast yet. What we do know is it will feature an ensemble of acclaimed British actors to be announced closer to production.
Simon Stone commented “This is one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever been involved in. Stephen Beresford’s screenplay is both heartbreaking and hilarious, a beautiful ode to the power of community in times of crisis. Andrew Scott is one of the greatest actors of his generation as Ian Charleson was: it’s momentous casting.”
This film reunites Scott with StudioCanal following the production of Pressure which opens in cinemas worldwide in 2026. Colman is no stranger to StudioCanal films starring (and producing) Wicked Little Letters, as well as Paddington In Peru for the studio.
StudioCanal will release Elsinore theatrically in the UK & Ireland, France, Germany, Poland, Benelux, Australia and New Zealand, with distribution by Lucky Red in Italy.
Elsinore will begin shooting the UK on 5th January, 2026.
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