The first photo of Andrew Scott in new biopic Elsinore has been released, showing the Irish star as actor Ian Charleson. The drama sees Scott lead an incredible cast which includes Olivia Colman and Billie Piper.
The film has just been announced as being acquired by Focus Features for release in North America and STUDIOCANAL for the UK market. It’s US release date has been set for 20 November; however, a UK date has yet to be confirmed.
Elsinore will also feature at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival and is expected to have its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival. It will have its European premiere at the 70th BFI London Film Festival on 7 October, where it plays in the opening gala.
Described as “a powerful, deeply moving and inspiring true story,” Elsinore follows Charleson (Scott) who “faced incredible odds while preparing to give the performance of his life in Hamlet at the National Theatre in London”.
Charleson was known for his roles in Oscar-winning epics Chariots of Fire and Gandhi, and in 1990, the actor passed away from AIDS-related causes after being diagnosed with HIV in 1986.
His death was the first of a UK celebrity to be openly attributed to complications from AIDS, raising awareness for the condition. Charleson’s performance of Hamlet was his last, with his run in the play ending just two months before his death.
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Alongside Scott, Colman, and Piper, Elsinore also stars Johnny Flynn, Luke Thompson, Monica Dolan, Juliet Stevenson, Joe Locke, Adeel Akhtar, Matthew Beard, David Dawson, Kadiff Kirwan, Dickie Beau and Peter Mullan.
Elsinore was written by Stephen Beresford who penned the 2014 film Pride, telling the story of gay rights activist Mark Ashton, and also starring Scott. Directing is Simon Stone who helmed The Woman in Cabin 10, starring Keira Knightley.
Stone previously said of the film: “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.”
Elsinore will hit US theatres on November 20. A UK release date is yet to be confirmed.