Steven Soderbergh’s New Chamber Comedy Starring Michaela Coel and Ian McKellen

The black comedy film The Christophers, directed by Steven Soderbergh, is scheduled for a limited theatrical release in the United States on April 10, 2026. Distributed by Neon, the film marks a collaboration between Soderbergh and a lead cast featuring Ian McKellen, Michaela Coel, James Corden, and Jessica Gunning.

Written by Ed Solomon, the movie is described as an art-world crime comedy. The plot centers on Julian Sklar, a well-known painter portrayed by Ian McKellen, who is spending his final years in a ramshackle London town house characterized by creative stagnation and lingering renown. The narrative follows the estranged children of the artist, Barnaby Sklar and Sallie Sklar, played by James Corden and Jessica Gunning respectively.

Plot and Character Dynamics

The central conflict of the film involves the greedy children of Julian Sklar, who employ a skillful art restorer and forger named Lori Butler, played by Michaela Coel. Butler is hired to work as the painter’s new assistant, but her actual objective is to secretly complete several of Julian’s unfinished works so that they can be sold.

Specifically, Butler’s mission is to locate and finish eight unfinished canvases. These paintings are part of a celebrated series of portraits of Christopher, who was a former lover of Julian Sklar. The film explores the partnership of opposites between the characters of Lori Butler and Julian Sklar, with McKellen portraying the artist as a gasbag figure.

Production and Filming

The production of The Christophers was handled by Department M, with Michael Schaefer and Mike Larocca serving as executive producers. Principal photography for the film took place in February 2025. The production was based in London, with specific filming locations including Fitzrovia within the London Borough of Camden.

The technical crew for the production included several established industry professionals:

• Cinematography: Peter Andrews
• Editing: Mary Ann Bernard
• Music: David Holmes, who composed the score for the film

The final runtime of the film is 100 minutes, and it was produced as a joint effort between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Release Schedule and Distribution

The film had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2025. Following the festival circuit, the distribution strategy was split by region. In the United States, Neon is handling the release, starting with the limited theatrical debut on April 10, 2026.

In the United Kingdom, the film will be distributed by Picturehouse Entertainment. The UK theatrical release is scheduled for May 15, 2026.

The film’s arrival in cinemas follows a period of promotion that included the release of a trailer highlighting the pairing of Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel in Soderbergh’s art-world comedy.