Frank and Percy is a new British comedy-drama adapted from the critically acclaimed West End play of the same name. The film stars six-time Olivier Award-winner and Academy Award-nominee Ian McKellen (The Lord of the Rings, X-Men) and three-time Olivier Award-winner Roger Allam (The Thick of It, Les Misérables), who reprise their stage roles.
The stellar cast includes multi-time BAFTA Nominee Stephen Fry (Gosford Park, Wilde, The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy), Primetime Emmy, Critics’ Choice and BAFTA TV Award Winner, Jessica Gunning (Pride, Baby Reindeer), multi-time BAFTA Award-Winner Dame Joanna Lumley (The Wolf Of Wall Street, Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie), Primetime Emmy and Critics’ Choice Winner, Sir Derek Jacobi (Gosford Park, Gladiator), BAFTA Nominee Ncuti Gatwa (Barbie, Sex Education, Doctor Who), and Dame Siân Phillips (I, Claudius, Dune).
The film is adapted by award-winning screenwriter Martin Sherman (Mrs. Henderson Presents, Bent) from the West End hit play by Ben Weatherill, and directed by internationally acclaimed film and theatre director Sean Mathias (Bent, Waiting for Godot, Hamlet).
Filming began in London in September 2025.
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 financed by John Gore Studios and BK Studios, with John Gore, David Gilbery and Naomi George serving as producers.
Executive Producers for Frank and Percy include Hilary Strong and Jamie Anderson for John Gore Studios, alongside Carl Moellenberg and Richard Batchelder.
Kaleidoscope Film Distribution (KFD) has secured worldwide sales rights. Icon Film Distribution will release the film theatrically in the UK, and KFD will introduce the title to international buyers at the forthcoming TIFF. As part of John Gore Studios, Icon Film Distribution and KFD underscores the group’s fully integrated capabilities – spanning equity financing, production and global distribution.
John Gore, Executive Chairman of John Gore Studios, says: “We are thrilled to be working with BK Studios in adapting this heartfelt story from stage to screen. The calibre of the casting alongside Sean Mathias’ direction and the wit and warmth of Martin Sherman’s script make this project a natural fit for John Gore Studios and our commitment to telling captivating British stories for global audiences.”
David Gilbery, Group CEO of BK Studios, says: “Frank and Percy has already touched so many during its sold-out stage run in London, and now we’re delighted to begin its journey to the big screen. With such an extraordinary cast and creative team, we couldn’t be more excited to start production this September. At its heart, this is an uplifting, feel-good story about love, connection, and finding the courage to embrace life again – we can’t wait to share it with audiences.”
Spencer Pollard, CEO of KFD, says: “Frank and Percy is an exceptional project that we are so glad to be able to work with the team at BK Studios once more and to have John Gore Studios be part of this fabulous film shows what we can do as a group when coming together and joining forces. I’m very grateful for both parties’ support and look forward to showing the World next year this brilliant script.”
Status: world premiere in the Love strand of the 70th BFI London Film Festival, 7 to 18 October 2026.
Role: executive producer.
Latest: Frank and Percy to premiere at the BFI London Film Festival
