There's a Fleabag-adjacent reunion happening, but it's not exactly what you think. Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman are reuniting on screen in Elsinore, a film that tells the moving true story of Scottish actor Ian Charleson. Known for his magnetic stage presence and unforgettable film roles, Charleson’s life was defined by artistry, courage, and resilience — a story now set to reach new audiences. So, who is the man that has inspired the project? Everything we know about the true story of Elsinore, below.

Who was Ian Charleson?

Born in Edinburgh in 1949, Ian Charleson became a celebrated figure in both film and theatre. He gained international recognition for playing Olympic runner Eric Liddell in Chariots of Fire in 1981, and later appeared in the Oscar-winning film Gandhi. Yet it was the stage where Charleson truly shone, performing in classics like Guys and Dolls and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. His intensity, charm, and emotional depth made him one of his generation’s most admired actors.

His most-iconic stage role was arguably Hamlet

In 1989, Charleson was asked to take on the title role in Hamlet at London’s National Theatre, stepping in at short notice. At the same time, he was living with HIV — a diagnosis he had received three years earlier, when the disease carried immense stigma. Despite his illness, Charleson delivered what many consider one of the most remarkable performances of his career, bringing a vulnerability and honesty to the role that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.

Tragically, Charleson passed away just eight weeks after completing Hamlet, at only 40 years old. His family publicly revealed that he had died from AIDS, making him one of the first British celebrities to be openly linked to the disease. This act helped challenge misconceptions and fear surrounding HIV/AIDS in the UK, leaving an enduring impact beyond the stage.

What will Elsinore be about?

The film promises to explore not just the artistry of Charleson’s Hamlet performance, but also the resilience it took to face such a monumental role amidst his own ailing health.

The name of the film, Elsinore, is the historical English name for Helsingør, the Danish city made famous as the setting for Shakespeare's Hamlet.

According to Variety, the film will be directed by Simon Stone, from a script by Stephen Beresford. Both Andrew Scott, who stars as Charleson, and Olivia Colman, join the project not just as performers but as part of a production team that aims to honour the actor’s legacy with sensitivity and depth.

In a statement about the project, Stone said, “This is one of the most exciting projects I’ve ever been involved in. Stephen Beresford’s screenplay is both heartbreaking and hilarious, a beautiful ode to the power of community in times of crisis. Andrew Scott is one of the greatest actors of his generation as Ian Charleson was: it’s momentous casting.”

Elsinore is scheduled to begin filming on January 5, 2026. We'll keep you updated as we know more.