Full Breakdown
Steven Soderbergh’s “The Christophers”: A Filmic Exploration of Art, Authenticity, and Inheritance
5/15/2026, 3:22:52 AM
The Christophers: Plot and Release
Steven Soderbergh’s 2026 film *The Christophers* follows Julian Sklar, a once-celebrated British painter now living in a Fitzrovia townhouse, and his hired assistant Lori Butler. The story centres on Sklar’s unfinished series of portraits of his former lover Christopher, which his adult children hope to sell after his death. The film opened in UK and Irish cinemas on 15 May 2026.
Artistic Context and Plot Premise
Julian Sklar, played by Sir Ian McKellen, was a leading figure of the School of London, known for the “Christophers” series that once fetched millions at auction. After falling out of fashion, he appears as a judge on the reality show *Art Fight* and records personalized videos on Cameo. His children, Barnaby (James Corden) and Sallie / Sally (Jessica Gunning), employ former art student and forger Lori Butler (Michaela Coel) to covertly finish the hidden paintings in Sklar’s attic for posthumous sale.
Key Cast and Creative Team
- Director: Steven Soderbergh
- Screenwriter: Ed Solomon
- Lead actor: Ian McKellen as Julian Sklar
- Supporting actor: Michaela Coel as Lori Butler
- Children: James Corden (Barnaby Sklar) and Jessica Gunning (Sallie/Sally Sklar)
- Production designer: Antonia Lowe
- Art consultant: Barnaby Gorton, with paintings contributed by Sarah Bell.
Critical Reception and Opposition
The Guardian calls the film “fast, literate and funny,” noting its subversive take on the art world. The Spectator describes it as a “darkly comedic” portrait of a “gritty” market, highlighting McKellen’s performance. The New Statesman calls it “entirely made by the 86-year-old McKellen’s marvelous performance.” Critics point to the children’s characters as caricatures while praising the film’s exploration of authenticity, market value, and artistic legacy.
Official Statements & Responses
- Soderbergh told Ed Solomon he wanted “a little thing… maybe an older and a younger artist and there’s some potential scam… what if he despises his children.”
- Solomon’s script was praised for providing “juicy lines” that showcase Sklar’s volatility.
- McKellen remarked that “actors get far too much praise,” emphasizing a modest approach to the role.
- Reviewers described Coel’s portrayal as “calm, withholding, and fiercely self-contained.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Never get old,” — Julian Sklar (Ian McKellen)
- “‘I’ve done nothing but shit in 30 years,’ he tells Butler during the job interview.” — Julian Sklar
- “You’re not an artist and you’re not a fan,” — Julian Sklar
- “Never underestimate the internet prowess of a man who has spent decades googling himself,” — Julian Sklar
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the spelling of Sklar’s daughter’s name, using “Sallie” (Guardian) and “Sally” (Spectator). Reliability scores vary (Guardian 40.31, New Statesman 39.67), but no substantive factual contradictions appear regarding plot or release details.
What’s Next
Following its 15 May UK/Ireland opening, the film is slated for further international distribution and may appear at upcoming festivals, extending the conversation on art forgery and legacy.
