Steven Soderbergh’s next film The Christophers is already making waves — and we now have our first look. The newly released image shows Michaela Coel and Ian McKellen in character as Lori Butler and Julian Sklar, respectively. McKellen, 86, appears to be embracing full “grizzled legend” mode, leaning against a battered doorframe in a rainbow-striped sweater, while Coel’s Lori watches him warily, suitcase in hand. The film, currently in post-production, marks Soderbergh’s follow-up to Black Bag and reunites him with longtime screenwriter Ed Solomon (No Sudden Move, Mosaic, Full Circle).

Described as a dark comedy, The Christophers centres on the estranged children of a once-famous artist who hatch a morally flexible plan: hire a forger to complete their father’s unfinished work and pass it off as discovered originals after his death. Yes, it’s art fraud with a Soderbergh twist — which means expect stylish plotting, morally compromised characters, and at least one monologue about capitalism. The cast also includes James Corden, in his first major film role since returning to the London stage this summer in The Constituent at The Old Vic. Corden’s character has not been revealed, but this is a rare indie turn for the 12-time Emmy winner, best known to U.S. audiences for The Late Late Show and roles in musicals like Into the Woods and The Prom.

Who Are The Cast of ‘The Christophers’?

McKellen, of course, needs no introduction. A two-time Oscar nominee (and six-time BAFTA nominee), the Lord of the Rings and X-Men star continues to work at full tilt, recently appearing in The Critic, Hamlet, and The Good Liar. At 86, he shows no signs of slowing down. Coel, meanwhile, has become one of the most sought-after creatives in the business since her BAFTA- and Emmy-winning turn in I May Destroy You. She’ll next be seen opposite Anne Hathaway in David Lowery’s Mother Mary for A24, and she’s also developing her HBO/BBC co-produced drama First Day on Earth, which she’ll star in, write, and executive produce.

The Christophers is written by Ed Solomon, whose collaborations with Soderbergh span multiple mediums — from the interactive app-series hybrid Mosaic to the HBO Max thriller Full Circle. Solomon also penned Bill & Ted Face the Music, which Soderbergh executive produced. The film is being financed by Department M, the new outfit run by Michael Schaefer and Mike Larocca, with both serving as executive producers. Schaefer previously worked with Soderbergh on Unsane during his time as President of New Regency.

The Christophers began production in London in February.

via Collider