The first photo of Olivia Colman in Elsinore, the “stunning” new British drama starring Andrew Scott, has been released.
Directed by Simon Stone, the upcoming biopic stars Andrew Scott as Ian Charleson as he prepares to step into the National Theatre’s production of Hamlet following Daniel Day-Lewis’ departure.
Charleson, who was diagnosed with HIV in 1986 and died from AIDS-related causes in 1990, must confront his own mortality as he decides to take on the role of Hamlet.
StudioCanal
Related: Best streaming services
His death was the first of a UK celebrity to be publicly linked to AIDS complications, helping to raise awareness of the condition. His final role was Hamlet, with the production ending two months before his death.
Written by Stephen Beresford, the cast includes Johnny Flynn, Billie Piper, Juliet Stevenson, Adeel Akhtar and Peter Mullan.
While we have already seen some images of Scott in the role, we have now been treated to a first look at Colman playing Margaret Johnson, Charleston’s doctor.
Elsinore will make its European premiere as the opening film of the BFI London Film Festival.
In a blurb for the film, BFI’s Kristy Matheson said that Scott “ascends new heights with his performance” to capture the “tumult and humanity of Charleson”, calling his scenes with Colman “a veritable masterclass in screen performance”.
She continues: “Elsinore skilfully shifts gear between the ebullience of rehearsals and performance, and the profound reality of life on the precipice of the unknown.
Anthony Dickenson/Focus Features
Related: Olivia Colman’s “wonderful” rom-com hailed as a “must-see” confirms first UK screening
“It’s a stunning achievement by Stone, who has crafted a stirring ode to an extraordinary life, the strength of community and resistance, and the triumph of art.”
Speaking about the film in December 2025, Stone said: “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.”
Visit our Streaming Guide now to see at a glance where you can view ALL your favourite shows and movies.
The new edition of Legends, a 100-page all-colour celebration of Ariana Grande, is here! Buy Ariana Grande in newsagents or online.
Reporter, Digital Spy
Harriet is a freelance news writer specialising in TV and movies at Digital Spy.
A horror enthusiast, she joined Digital Spy after working on her own horror website, reviewing films and focusing largely on feminism in the genre.
In her spare time, Harriet paints and produces mixed-media art. She graduated from the University of Kingston with a BA in fine art, where she specialised in painting. She also has an MA in journalism from Birkbeck University.