McKellen: Playing The Part For UK, USA & Scandinavia

15th February 2018

Trafalgar Releasing has announced the acquisition of Joe Stephenson’s (Chicken) McKellen: Playing The Part for the UK, USA and Scandinavia. The deal was negotiated with Independent on behalf of the filmmakers.

A feature length film on the life and work of Ian McKellen. Fully authorised, including access to private photo albums and a wealth of never-before-seen archive material, including diaries written when he was 12 and unseen behind the scenes of theatre shows and films.

The documentary is built around a 14 hour interview covering everything from his upbringing to becoming a theatre star, to coming out and being a leader in the gay rights movement, to his film stardom from Magneto to Gandalf, and personal thoughts on everything from acting to old age.

The film features dramatic recreations starring Luke Evans, Frances Barber, Adam Brown, Scott Chambers, Milo Parker and Edward Petherbridge.

Trafalgar Releasing will be releasing McKellen: Playing The Part early Spring in the UK and Scandinavia with the US release to follow.

Director, Joe Stephenson has said on the acquisition: “It was always my intention to make this documentary for theatrical release, to find a way to celebrate the life of one of our greatest actors on the big screen, so I’m delighted to be working with Trafalgar to give audiences the chance to see it as intended with a unique and exciting release. As proven by their past success, the film couldn’t be in safer hands”

Newly promoted Director of Distribution, Alice De Rosa commented: “Ian McKellen’s work both on stage and on screen has cemented him as one of the most treasured and respected British actors in the world. We are excited to be working with director Joe Stephenson and his team on this fantastic film, bringing to life the story of Ian McKellen with an unprecedented amount of access to the acting legend.”

Independent’s Sarah Lebutsch: “We are thrilled to be working with the talented team at Trafalgar on the release of McKellen: Playing The Part. Alice and her team know exactly how to bring this kind of film to its audience and immediately convinced us with their ideas and creative approach. We look forward to celebrating Ian’s life and career this Summer.”

McKellen: Playing The Part is a B Good Picture Company production, produced with Surreal Film Company in association with Ugly Duckling Films and Blue Topaz Productions Limited, with the support of Great Point Media and Lipsync Productions. International sales are handled by Independent.

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