Joe Locke, Andrew Scott to star in Elsinore, a film honouring the life of Ian Charleson

The film will also star the likes of Oscar winner, Olivia Colman, and Luke Thompson from the Bridgerton series

Joe Locke and Andrew Scott are set to star in the upcoming film Elsinore, which will explore the life and legacy of acclaimed Scottish actor Ian Charleson. The project brings together two generations of actors to tell the story of a performer remembered not only for his extraordinary talent, but also for his courage during a pivotal moment in history.

Andrew Scott will portray Charleson, who is best known for his Oscar-winning performance as Olympic runner Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire. Charleson was also widely celebrated for his work on stage, particularly his final role as Hamlet at London’s National Theatre. He continued performing despite being seriously ill, later revealing his HIV diagnosis and asking that the cause of his illness be made public following his death in 1990 at the age of 40.

Joe Locke, best known for his breakout role in Heartstopper, joins the cast alongside a strong ensemble that includes Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, Johnny Flynn, Luke Thompson, Monica Dolan, Juliet Stevenson, Adeel Akhtar, Matthew Beard, David Dawson, Kadiff Kirwan, Dickie Beau and Peter Mullan. The cast reflects a wide range of acclaimed British talent coming together for the biographical drama.

Elsinore is directed by Simon Stone, with a script by Stephen Beresford. The film aims to explore Charleson’s professional achievements alongside the personal challenges he faced at a time when HIV/AIDS was heavily stigmatized. By centering on his final years and his impact on theatre and film, the story seeks to highlight both his artistry and his quiet activism.

Production on Elsinore has begun in the UK, and the film is expected to offer an emotional and powerful tribute to Ian Charleson’s enduring influence, while also introducing his story to a new generation of audiences.