Heartstopper’s Joe Locke and Knives Out star Andrew Scott have been cast in the highly anticipated biopic Elsinore, a powerful tribute to the life and legacy of Scottish actor Ian Charleson, best known for his role in the Oscar-winning Chariots of Fire.
As reported by Deadline, Scott will portray Charleson during a poignant chapter of his life, his acclaimed performance as Hamlet at the National Theatre in London, delivered just weeks before his untimely death in 1990 due to AIDS-related illness.
Charleson, also known for his iconic portrayal of Olympic runner Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire (1981), was diagnosed with HIV in 1986. He passed away aged just 40, and made a deliberate request that the cause of his death be publicly stated as AIDS, making him one of the first UK celebrities to do so. His decision helped raise awareness and combat stigma around HIV and AIDS at a time when public understanding was limited and fear widespread.
A Tribute Through Film
Elsinore is directed by Simon Stone (The Dig) and written by Stephen Beresford, BAFTA winner and Golden Globe nominee behind Pride. The film is being shot across various UK locations and boasts an exceptional cast and creative team.
Joining Scott and Locke is Heartstopper co-star Olivia Colman, reuniting with Locke on-screen. Other major cast members include:
- Billie Piper (Doctor Who)
- Johnny Flynn (Ripley)
- Monica Dolan (Bridgerton)
- Juliet Stevenson (Bend It Like Beckham)
- Adeel Akhtar (Sherwood)
- Matthew Beard (The Testament of Ann Lee)
- David Dawson (The Last Kingdom)
- Kadiff Kirwan (Slow Horses)
- Dickie Beau (Bohemian Rhapsody)
- Peter Mullan (Ozark)
Behind the scenes, the film’s creative strength continues with cinematographer Mike Eley, production designer Helen Scott, and costume designer Mel Page. Editing will be handled by Valerio Bonelli, and casting direction comes from the acclaimed Jessica Ronane.
Though no release date has been announced, Elsinore is already generating major buzz for its emotional storytelling and representation of a pivotal figure in both LGBTQ+ and theatre history.
