Acclaimed director Steven Soderbergh is set to captivate audiences once more with “The Christophers,” an intricate tale of family, inheritance, and art forgery, which garnered rave reviews at TIFF and is now slated for a 2026 release through Neon.
The cinematic landscape is abuzz with anticipation for Steven Soderbergh’s latest directorial endeavor, “The Christophers,” a drama that promises to delve into the complex worlds of art, family, and deception. The film, which recently premiered to critical acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), has secured worldwide distribution rights with Neon, with a theatrical release planned for 2026.
Soderbergh, a filmmaker celebrated for his versatility and distinctive style across genres, continues to push boundaries, following his earlier collaboration with Neon on the psychological thriller “Presence.” His illustrious filmography boasts modern classics such as “Ocean’s 11,” the prescient pandemic thriller “Contagion,” the powerful legal drama “Erin Brockovich,” the intricate crime saga “Traffic,” and his breakout independent hit “Sex, Lies and Videotapes.” This new project reinforces his reputation as a director unafraid to explore diverse narratives and artistic approaches.
The Intricate Plot of ‘The Christophers’
“The Christophers” centers on Julian Sklar, an aging artist portrayed by the legendary Ian McKellen, who has not touched a paintbrush in decades and is financially destitute. The core of the narrative unfolds as Julian’s two estranged children, played by James Corden and Jessica Gunning, desperate to secure their inheritance, conspire to hire an art forger, portrayed by Michaela Coel. Their aim is to complete a crucial, unfinished project from their father’s past, setting the stage for a compelling exploration of art, family ties, and the lengths individuals will go for wealth.
The screenplay for this intriguing drama was penned by Ed Solomon, known for his work on “No Sudden Move,” another Soderbergh collaboration. The film was produced and financed by Department M, further highlighting the independent spirit that often defines Soderbergh’s projects.
A Stellar Cast and Critical Acclaim
The ensemble cast of “The Christophers” has already garnered significant praise, particularly for the performances of its leads. Ian McKellen’s portrayal of the reclusive artist Julian Sklar is anticipated to be a tour de force, leveraging his extensive experience in both theater and film to bring depth and nuance to the character. Michaela Coel, an actor of remarkable talent, plays the pivotal role of the art forger, a character critical to the unfolding mystery.
Critics at TIFF were quick to laud the film. Variety’s chief film critic Peter Debruge described it as a “crackling original drama,” specifically highlighting the brilliant pairing of McKellen and Coel. He noted the “two top-notch English actors of wildly different backgrounds and styles at the top of their respective games,” a testament to Soderbergh’s keen eye for casting and performance direction (Variety).
The film was officially announced as one of the world premieres added to the Toronto International Film Festival lineup on June 26, 2025, signaling early recognition for its artistic merit (Deadline Hollywood). This festival debut helped generate significant buzz, leading to the competitive acquisition by Neon.
Neon’s Strategic Acquisition and Future Releases
Neon’s acquisition of “The Christophers” for worldwide rights is a significant vote of confidence in Soderbergh’s vision and the film’s potential. Known for distributing critically acclaimed and often boundary-pushing independent cinema, Neon has a history of supporting distinctive voices. Their move to secure this film after its successful TIFF screening aligns with their reputation for championing artistic originality.
Beyond “The Christophers,” Neon has been actively expanding its slate, also acquiring U.S. rights to the music documentary “Baz Luhrmann’s EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert” out of TIFF. Upcoming releases from the studio include Jafar Panahi’s “It Was Just an Accident,” Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value,” and Park Chan-wook’s “No Other Choice,” solidifying their position as a key player in bringing diverse cinematic experiences to audiences.
Soderbergh’s Prolific Legacy and What’s Next
Steven Soderbergh’s continued prolific output is a testament to his enduring creativity and dedication to the craft of filmmaking. Even as “The Christophers” prepares for its 2026 release, Soderbergh is simultaneously developing a “philosophical sequel” to his acclaimed 2011 pandemic thriller “Contagion” with writer Scott Z. Burns. This demonstrates his ongoing engagement with timely and thought-provoking themes, ensuring that classic film enthusiasts will have plenty of Soderbergh projects to anticipate.
“The Christophers” promises to be a compelling addition to Soderbergh’s storied career, offering a sophisticated blend of drama, mystery, and an exploration of human nature. With a powerhouse cast and a proven director at the helm, it is poised to be one of the must-see films of 2026, solidifying its place in the modern canon for fans of intricate storytelling and classic cinematic artistry.
