Frank And Percy, starring Ian McKellen and Roger Allam, will have its world premiere at the 70th BFI London Film Festival. Get the details here.
Among the many films being screened at this year’s 70th BFI London Film Festival is a tender love story. Frank and Percy is a heartwarming, hopeful, and humorous tale, inviting audiences of all ages to take a chance on love. The film is led by the irrepressible Sir Ian McKellen and Roger Allam. In fact, the film tells us that it is never too late to fall in love. Featuring a standout supporting cast, the film sounds like it could touch our hearts. Consequently, it may become a firm favorite amongst the critics and journalists attending the event. (We are attending and will bring you a review of the film when we are able to.) The film is set to be released in UK cinemas soon.
THE PREMISE
Golden Globe and Tony Award winner, six-time Laurence Olivier Award winner and Academy Award nominee Ian McKellen (The Christopers, Gods and Monsters, Lord of the Rings) stars alongside three-time Laurence Olivier Award winner Roger Allam (The Queen, The Choral, Endeavour). Together, they star in Frank and Percy – a tender, uplifting story of love, friendship and the courage to embrace new beginnings at any stage of life.
When Frank (Allam), a kind-hearted and charming widower, and Percy (McKellen), a witty and flamboyant bachelor, cross paths as they walk their beloved dogs on Hampstead Heath during a warm spring, casual chit-chat about heatwaves and London life slowly evolves into something deeper. Over time, as their friendship unexpectedly blossoms into something romantic, they must both decide if they should take a chance on love. Equally poignant and funny, Frank and Percy is a story of companionship, of finding connection and having the resilience and courage to remain open-hearted to the possibility of embracing that love.
“It’s never too late to fall in love”
Ian McKellen as PERCY and Roger Allam as Frank
The story follows two older men who meet while walking their dogs on Hampstead Heath. What begins as casual conversation about the weather and aching hips gradually deepens into an unexpected friendship – and perhaps something more. Wryly funny and poignantly tender, Frank and Percy is a heartfelt, life-affirming tale about the courage to take a chance on love at any age. The project is co-produced and financed by John Gore Studios and BK Studios.
BEHIND THE CAMERAS
John Gore Studios and BK Studios co-produced and financed the film, which features an adaptation by award-winning screenwriter Martin Sherman (known for Mrs. Henderson Presents and Bent) from the popular West End play by Ben Weatherill. McKellen and Allam take on their original roles in this exciting big-screen version. Internationally acclaimed film and theatre director Sean Mathias, known for works like The Lost Language of Cranes, Hamlet, and the award-winning Bent, brings the play’s magic and intimacy to life through captivating cinematic storytelling.
ALSO STARRING
Set in and around London’s vibrant Hampstead Heath, this uplifting story shines with a remarkable supporting cast. It features Golden Globe and BAFTA nominee Stephen Fry, known for his roles in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows and Gosford Park. The talented Jessica Gunning, a winner of Golden Globe, Emmy, and BAFTA awards, brings her skills from Baby Reindeer and Sunny Dancer. BAFTA winner Joanna Lumley, celebrated for Absolutely Fabulous and Amandaland, adds her charm, while Tony, Emmy, and BAFTA winner Derek Jacobi, known for Murder on the Orient Express and Gladiator, captivates audiences. Meanwhile, Siân Phillips, another BAFTA winner from Summerland and Dune, also graces the cast. Ncuti Gatwa from Doctor Who and Sex Education, Hugh Skinner known from Wicked Little Letters and Fleabag, and Rob Brydon from The Trip and Gavin & Stacey round out this impressive ensemble.
This distinguished cast of celebrated old friends includes three Dames and three Knights of the British Empire; three Dr Who’s; veterans of the Royal Shakespeare Company and National Theatre Company; collective winners of hundreds of awards for their performances on stage and screen.
Frank and Percy will receive its World Premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on 13 October, with the film coming soon to UK cinemas.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
