Andrew Scott Transforms Into Ian Charleson in the First ‘Elsinore’ Trailer, and the Awards Buzz Is Real
Few actors have had a run quite like Andrew Scott’s in recent years, and ‘Elsinore’ looks set to become one of his most emotionally demanding projects yet. The Irish actor won hearts as the Hot Priest in ‘Fleabag’, then followed it up with the romantic drama ‘All of Us Strangers’ and the Emmy-nominated ‘Ripley’ miniseries. He also appeared in the 2025 ‘Knives Out’ sequel ‘Wake Up Dead Man’.
His latest project is a deeply personal one. Directed by Simon Stone, known for ‘The Dig’, and written by Stephen Beresford, known for ‘Pride’, the film tells the true story of Ian Charleson, a gifted actor whose greatest challenge becomes his greatest triumph. Scott didn’t just star in the film, either, as he also serves as one of its producers.
After weeks of festival acclaim, audiences are finally getting a proper look. Focus Features has released the first trailer for ‘Elsinore’, and Film Updates shared it on X, highlighting Scott and Olivia Colman as the stars and noting a theatrical release this November.
The 2-minute preview offers a glimpse of the story’s intimate hospital setting. In one shot, Colman appears in a white coat and tortoiseshell glasses, smiling warmly while a patient in a hospital gown sits in the background, hinting at the tender relationship at the film’s core.
The story follows Charleson as he prepares for his final theater performances while seriously ill with AIDS. Scott plays Charleson, while Colman portrays Margaret Johnson, the actor’s doctor.
The film’s scope evolved organically between Scott, Stone, and Beresford, all veterans of both screen and stage. The trio focused the narrative on human resilience, the LGBT community, and the experience of a visible but closeted gay actor in the 1980s.
The trailer for Simon Stone’s ‘ELSINORE’ has been released. Starring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman. In theaters this November. https://t.co/AJOvsIC3zO
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) September 28, 2026
Critics have noted how Stone and editor Valerio Bonelli use rehearsal and medical-treatment montages to build toward Charleson’s final performances. That structure appears front and center in the trailer’s emotional pacing.
Beyond its 2 leads, the film boasts a remarkable ensemble. Billie Piper, Johnny Flynn, Luke Thompson, David Dawson, Matthew Beard, Joe Locke, Monica Dolan, Georgie Glen, Sadie Soverall, Adeel Akhtar, Dickie Beau and Kadiff Kirwan all appear, alongside Juliet Stevenson and Peter Mullan. Reviewers have singled out several of these performers. Colman and Piper in particular earned strong praise for their work in the ensemble.
‘Elsinore’ had its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival on September 4 before moving on to TIFF. In Toronto, it won the International People’s Choice Award, adding serious momentum to its awards campaign.
Scott’s performance has been the talk of the festival circuit. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman praised the film as an unforgettable journey and described Scott’s work as astonishingly layered and moving, while other outlets have noted that the actor is already earning rave reviews.
Focus Features will open the film in select US theaters on November 20, expanding over Thanksgiving and throughout December. International audiences won’t have to wait too long either, with an Italian release on December 24 and STUDIOCANAL bringing it to UK cinemas on January 29, 2027.
With a festival prize already in hand, a critically beloved lead performance, and a prime awards-season release date, ‘Elsinore’ is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about dramas of the fall. Based on this first trailer, fans of Scott should probably prepare their tissues.
Are you excited to see Andrew Scott’s acclaimed performance in Elsinore?
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