Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman Star in ‘Elsinore’ Biopic

Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman lead the cast of ‘Elsinore’, a new film chronicling the life of late British actor Ian Charleson. The project focuses on Charleson’s acclaimed performance as Eric Liddell in the 1981 Oscar-winning ‘Chariots of Fire’. Charleson continued working through illness until his death from AIDS-related causes in 1990 at age 40.

StudioCanal fully finances and produces the feature. Jack Thorne pens the screenplay based on extensive research into Charleson’s career and personal struggles. The title references Charleson’s final stage role as Hamlet in a 1989 National Theatre production.

Scott portrays Charleson across his professional peak and private challenges. Colman takes on a supporting role as a close confidante during his later years. Additional casting remains in development.

Charleson earned BAFTA nominations for ‘Chariots of Fire’ and earlier work in ‘Gandhi’. His Hamlet performance drew praise despite his declining health. The actor kept his diagnosis private amid the 1980s AIDS crisis stigma.

Thorne previously adapted real-life stories including ‘Enola Holmes’ films and ‘His Dark Materials’ series. StudioCanal handles international sales and UK distribution. No director has been announced yet.

‘Elsinore’ marks another collaboration between Scott and Colman following voice work in ‘Watership Down’. Scott recently starred in ‘All of Us Strangers’ and ‘Ripley’. Colman won an Oscar for ‘The Favourite’ and earned Emmy recognition for ‘The Crown’.

The project joins recent biopics exploring LGBTQ+ figures in entertainment history. Production timeline details have not been released. StudioCanal presented the package to buyers earlier this year.

Charleson’s ‘Chariots of Fire’ role contributed to the film’s Best Picture win at the 1982 Academy Awards. The actor appeared in over 20 stage and screen productions during his career. ‘Elsinore’ aims to highlight his contributions to British theater and film.