Steven Soderbergh’s upcoming film, The Christophers, has started generating buzz with its first official image showing Michaela Coel and Ian McKellen in their roles as Lori Butler and Julian Sklar. The film, currently in post-production, reunites Soderbergh with screenwriter Ed Solomon and reveals a story involving family, art, and deception. The photo portrays McKellen embracing a weathered, seasoned character while Coel’s Lori stands nearby, suitcase in hand, highlighting the film’s dark yet intriguing tone.
Plot Overview: A Dark Comedy About Art and Family
The Christophers is described as a dark comedy centred on the estranged children of a once-famous artist who devise a morally dubious plan: they hire a forger to complete their father’s unfinished works and attempt to pass the forged pieces off as newly found originals after his death. This premise promises Soderbergh’s signature blend of stylish plotting and ethically gray characters, including at least one pointed monologue on capitalism. The story uniquely intersects art fraud with complex family dynamics.
Additionally, the cast features James Corden in his first major film role since his summer return to London theatre in The Constituent at The Old Vic. Corden’s character remains undisclosed, marking a notable indie project for the actor better known in the U.S. for his television and musical roles.
Meet the Lead Performers and Creative Team
Ian McKellen, a distinguished actor with two Oscar nominations and six BAFTA nods, continues to deliver compelling performances at 86, recently appearing in productions such as The Critic, Hamlet, and The Good Liar. Michaela Coel has risen to prominence following her acclaimed work in I May Destroy You, earning BAFTA and Emmy awards. Her upcoming projects include starring with Anne Hathaway in David Lowery’s Mother Mary and developing her own drama series, First Day on Earth, for HBO and BBC.
The screenplay is crafted by Ed Solomon, a frequent collaborator with Soderbergh who has contributed to various projects including the app-series Mosaic and the HBO Max thriller Full Circle. Solomon also wrote Bill & Ted Face the Music, with Soderbergh serving as executive producer. The production is backed by Department M, led by Michael Schaefer and Mike Larocca, both executive producers on the film. Schaefer previously collaborated with Soderbergh during his tenure as President of New Regency, including on the film Unsane.
Production Details and What to Expect Next
The Christophers began filming in London in February, bringing together an accomplished cast and crew for a distinctive story exploring art, family, and ethical ambiguity. With Soderbergh’s trademark direction and Solomon’s sharp writing, the film is anticipated to deliver a thoughtful yet engaging cinematic experience.
As The Christophers moves through post-production, audiences can look forward to a unique blend of dark comedy and drama, enriched by performances from Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, and James Corden. Further updates on release and distribution are expected in the coming months, promising to add another compelling chapter to Soderbergh’s formidable body of work.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What movie did Steven Soderbergh make on iPhone?
A. Unsane (2018): First Soderbergh Film Made on iPhone
Unsane is a psychological horror movie filmed with an iPhone 7 Plus using the Filmic Pro app. It tells the story of a woman, haunted by a stalker from her past, who finds herself involuntarily admitted to a mental health facility.
Q. How many movies has Steven Soderbergh made?
A. He has made 33 movies and worked on eight TV shows.
