Focus Features Acquires ‘Elsinore’ Starring Andrew Scott, Sets Fall Release
Focus Features has acquired North American and Latin American rights to "Elsinore," a StudioCanal drama starring Andrew Scott, setting a limited release for 20 November before expanding over Thanksgiving and through December. The film, directed by Simon Stone, dramatises the true story of actor Ian Charleson, who delivered an acclaimed performance at London's National Theatre while confronting terminal illness with courage and grace.
Written by Stephen Beresford, the cast also includes Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, Johnny Flynn, Luke Thompson, David Dawson, Joe Locke, Juliet Stevenson and Peter Mullan. StudioCanal, which is handling international sales, retains distribution rights in the UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Benelux, Australia and New Zealand. The deal adds to Focus Features' busy late-2026 slate, which also includes Robert Eggers' "Werwulf," Paul Greengrass' "The Uprising" and Georgia Oakley's new adaptation of "Sense and Sensibility."
In short
- Focus Features acquires North American rights to Andrew Scott drama "Elsinore"
- Film dramatises actor Ian Charleson's real-life final National Theatre performance
- Limited release begins 20 November 2026, expanding through December
Explained simply
Ian Charleson was a highly regarded British actor known for his work at London's National Theatre. During his career, he delivered a particularly acclaimed performance whilst confronting terminal illness, demonstrating extraordinary personal courage.
Elsinore is a new drama that tells the story of Charleson and that defining chapter of his life and career. Directed by Simon Stone and written by Stephen Beresford, the film stars Andrew Scott alongside Olivia Colman, Billie Piper, Johnny Flynn and others. The production comes from StudioCanal, a prominent European production company.
The film explores an important figure in British theatre history and tells a compelling human story about perseverance in the face of adversity. It represents the kind of prestigious, character-driven cinema that typically attracts serious audiences and critical attention.
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