Academy Award-winning actor Olivia Colman and critically acclaimed star Andrew Scott have been cast in the upcoming biopic Elsinore, chronicling the life of Scottish actor Ian Charleson. Directed by Simon Stone, the film is set to begin production in January 2026.
Charleson, celebrated for his versatility on stage and screen, is perhaps best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Hamlet at London’s National Theatre in 1989. He delivered the role while privately battling AIDS, earning widespread acclaim for his emotional depth and stage presence. On film, Charleson is known for his role as Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire, as well as numerous stage performances that showcased his range. His untimely death in 1990, just days after publicly revealing his illness, left a profound impact on the acting community and cemented his legacy as a courageous and gifted performer.
The screenplay for Elsinore is written by BAFTA-winning writer Stephen Beresford and has been described by Stone as “both heartbreaking and hilarious, a beautiful ode to the power of community in times of crisis.” Stone added, “Andrew Scott is one of the greatest actors of his generation as Ian Charleson was: it’s momentous casting.”
Scott, taking on the role of Charleson, has solidified his reputation as one of contemporary theatre and screen’s most compelling actors. He gained international attention for his portrayal of the Hot Priest in Fleabag, a role that earned him a Critics Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. It's on that same series that he has worked with Olivia Colman. In Ireland, the show is available on Amazon Prime.
He is currently appearing in the Netflix release of Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man, reprising his turn in the hit murder-mystery franchise's 3rd film, available to watch on Netflix now.
Colman, cast as Charleson’s doctor, has a diverse body of work spanning film, television, and theatre. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for The Favourite and has recently delighted audiences on the big screen in The Roses, a darkly comic pairing with Benedict Cumberbatch available on Disney+. Colman also reunited with Scott on the Emmy-winning series Fleabag and is currently filming as Mrs. Bennet in Netflix’s limited series adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.
With Stone at the helm, Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman leading the cast, Elsinore promises to explore not only Charleson’s extraordinary career but also the personal resilience and humanity behind it. As a film, it aims to celebrate the artistry and courage of an actor who broke boundaries and inspired generations — both on stage and off. Fans of theatre, film, and biographical cinema alike are set for a poignant and compelling portrayal of a life lived boldly under extraordinary circumstances.
