17/12/2025 - The pic is based on the life of Scottish actor Ian Charleson, best known for his performance as Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire

Actors Andrew Scott (© Bryan Berlin) and Olivia Colman (© Raph_PH)

Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman are set to lead Elsinore, a new feature based on the life of Scottish actor Ian Charleson, best known for his performance as Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire. The French-Italian-US-UK film is being fully financed and distributed by StudioCanal, in collaboration with LD Entertainment, Lucky Red and Magnolia Mae Films. The news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

Scott will portray Charleson, while Colman will play his doctor. The film is penned by Stephen Beresford (Pride [+see also:
film review
trailer
making of
film profile]) and will be directed by Simon Stone (The Dig). Scott is also attached to the project as a producer.

The film was announced by StudioCanal CEO Anna Marsh, who confirmed that the company has come on board to fully finance and distribute the movie. StudioCanal will oversee the theatrical release in its key territories, including the UK, France, Germany, Poland, Benelux, Australia and New Zealand, while distribution in Italy will be handled by Lucky Red. LD Entertainment has pre-bought the North American rights.

Produced by Andrea Occhipinti for Lucky Red and Gaby Tana for Magnolia Mae Films, the film is also backed by LD Entertainment’s Pete Shilaimon and Mickey Liddell, alongside Stefano Massenzi and Carolyn Marks Blackwood. Ethan Silverman, who originated the project, and Beresford are attached as executive producers. Ron Halpern, executive vice-president of global production, and Joe Naftalin, senior vice-president of global production, will oversee the project for StudioCanal.

Production is set to begin in the UK on 5 January, with an ensemble cast of British actors to be announced closer to the start of shooting. The key creative team includes DoP Mike Eley (The Dig), production designer Helen Scott (Living [+see also:
film review
trailer
film profile]), costume designer Mel Page (The Dig), editor Valerio Bonelli (Darkest Hour [+see also:
trailer
film profile]) and casting director Jessica Ronane (Emma [+see also:
trailer
film profile]).

The synopsis describes Elsinore as the “powerful, deeply moving and inspiring true story of actor Ian Charleson, who faced incredible odds while preparing to give the performance of his life in Hamlet at the National Theatre in London”. Charleson was diagnosed with HIV in 1986 and died of AIDS-related causes in January 1990 at the age of 40. In the final few months of his life, he performed Hamlet at the National Theatre, a role that earned him widespread acclaim. When Ian McKellen received the Evening Standard Award for Best Actor for Othello, he described Charleson as the “perfect Hamlet”.

“This is one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever been involved in,” said Stone. “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.”

Marsh added: “It is a film about ambition, art and the quest for excellence, both on the stage and off. I couldn’t think of a better fit than Andrew Scott to incarnate Charleson.”

Elsinore marks a reunion between Scott and StudioCanal following Pressure, directed by Anthony Maras and set for release in 2026, while Colman recently starred in and produced Wicked Little Letters, and appeared in Paddington in Peru [+see also:
trailer
film profile], both for the studio.