Andrew Scott to star in 'Elsinore,' a biopic about 'Chariots of Fire' actor Ian Charleson

Irish actor Andrew Scott will star alongside Olivia Colman in "Elsinore", a film based on the life of Scottish actor Ian Charleson, who is best known for his role in the 1981 movie "Chariots of Fire."

Written by Stephen Beresford (Pride) and directed by Simon Stone (The Dig), "Elsinore" will focus on Charleson's final role as Hamlet before his death in 1990 at 40 years old.

The film, from StudioCanal, LD Entertainment, Lucky Red and Magnolia Mae Films, is described as a "powerful, deeply moving and inspiring true story" of Charleson, who faced incredible odds while preparing to give the performance of his life in Hamlet at the National Theatre in London."

Scott (All of Us Strangers, Ripley, Pressure) will take on the role of the Scottish actor and is also a producer on the film. Colman (The Favourite, The Crown, The Lost Daughter) plays Charleson's doctor.

Screenwriter Beresford is also executive producing the film, along with Ethan Silverman, who originated the project. 

Olivia Colman. (Credit: Chris Baker)

Mike Eley (The Dig) will serve as director of photography, Helen Scott (Living) as production designer, Mel Page (The Dig) as costume designer, and Valerio Bonelli (Darkest Hour) as editor. Jessica Ronane (Emma) is casting the film.

Andrea Occhipinti of Lucky Red (Il Divo, Everybody Knows) produces with Gabrielle Tana of Magnolia Mae Films (The Dig, Philomena), along with Pete Shilaimon and Mickey Liddell of LD Entertainment, and Stefano Massenzi and Carolyn Marks Blackwood. 

Simon Stone. (Credit: Getty Images)

"This is one of the most exciting projects I've ever been involved in," said director Simon 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."

"Elsinore," which will also feature an ensemble of acclaimed British actors to be announced closer to production, begins shooting on January 5, 2026.

The project was unveiled at Canal+ Group’s The Original+ showcase in Paris on Tuesday, December 16.