featuring @focusfeatures
The first official trailer for Elsinore, an upcoming biographical drama starring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman, has arrived, offering audiences an emotional glimpse into the extraordinary true story of acclaimed Scottish actor Ian Charleson.
Directed by Simon Stone (The Dig, The Daughter), the film explores Charleson’s remarkable final chapter, focusing on his determination to deliver a career-defining performance as Hamlet at London’s National Theatre while privately battling AIDS.
Scott takes on the leading role, portraying Charleson during one of the most challenging periods of his life. The newly released trailer highlights the actor’s extraordinary courage and determination as he prepares to step into one of Shakespeare’s most demanding roles while confronting his own mortality.
The story centres on Charleson’s opportunity to play Hamlet after Daniel Day-Lewis unexpectedly departed the National Theatre production. Despite his deteriorating health, Charleson accepted the role, delivering 24 performances that would become one of the defining achievements of his career.
Rather than focusing solely on his illness, Elsinore celebrates Charleson’s passion for acting, his resilience and the profound impact he had on the people around him.
Olivia Colman stars alongside Scott as Dr Margaret Johnson, the physician who cared for Charleson during his illness and provides an important perspective on his personal struggles. The film also explores the wider impact of the AIDS epidemic and the relationships that helped Charleson navigate his final months.
The impressive supporting cast includes Billie Piper, Johnny Flynn, Luke Thompson, David Dawson, Matthew Beard, Joe Locke, Monica Dolan, Georgie Glen, Sadie Soverall, Adeel Akhtar, Juliet Stevenson and Peter Mullan.
Written by Stephen Beresford (Pride), based on an idea by Ethan Silverman, the film brings together an accomplished creative team to tell a deeply personal story about art, friendship, courage and mortality.
Scott, who has previously earned acclaim for his performances in Fleabag, All of Us Strangers and Ripley, also serves as a producer on the project.
Elsinore made its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival on September 4, 2026, before screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film has already attracted attention for Scott’s portrayal of Charleson, with early reviews highlighting his performance.
With its combination of Shakespearean drama and a deeply moving true story, Elsinore is shaping up to be one of the notable releases of the upcoming awards season.
Elsinore is scheduled to arrive in select US cinemas on November 20, 2026, with a wider release planned for the weeks that follow.
Watch the official trailer for Elsinore below.
