Kaleidoscope Film Distribution Secures International Rights for Ian McKellen led thriller adaptation of Hamlet

Kaleidoscope Film Distribution has acquired international sales rights for a compelling new film adaptation of Hamlet, led by two-times Academy Award® nominee and Shakespearian titan, Ian McKellen.

Directed by Sean Mathias, who previously directed the film Bent, winner of the Prix de la Jeunesse at the Cannes Film Festival, the adaptation comes from production outfit BK Studios (The Critic, The Shepherd), and is produced by the late Bill Kenwright (Cheri, Broken), and executive produced by David Gilbery (The Lost Daughter) & Naomi George (My Pure Land).

McKellen reprises his lead role as Hamlet, a man who descends into madness as he seeks vengeance against his uncle for the alleged murder of his father. A tale of revenge that has stood the test of time, Shakespeare’s classic tragedy is reimagined for the modern day as a gripping psychological thriller.

Transcending the confines of the stage, the film utilises nearly every room of the Theatre Royal Windsor to transform it into the immortal Elsinore Castle, from basement dungeon to roof-top battlements. McKellen co-stars with the recent critically-acclaimed stage cast from Windsor’s production of Hamlet, including Frances Barber (King Lear, Chekhov’s The Seagull) Jonathan Hyde (King Lear, Titanic, Crimson Peak), Jenny Seagrove (Local Hero, Woman of Substance), Steven Berkoff (Vikings, A Clockwork Orange) and BAFTA-winner Francesca Annis (Jane Eyre, Wives and Daughters).

Kaleidoscope Home Entertainment will release theatrically in the UK in early 2024.

The deal was inked by KFD CEO, Spencer Pollard with BK Studios CEO, David Gilbery.

Pollard says, “We are very honoured and proud to bring to UK screens and international buyers a film with this prestige. A moving re-telling of one of Shakespeare’s most important pieces of work, we feel there will be many great homes for the film across the globe and look forward to sharing it with buyers in LA next week.”

Gilbery says, “We’re incredibly excited for audiences to experience Sean Mathias’ unique and contemporary film adaptation of Shakespeare’s magnificent tragedy. Ian McKellen reprises his famous title role, alongside a superb ensemble of British stars from the stage and screen. The beauty of this adaptation is that at its core, it’s a real fast-paced classic revenge thriller.”