The Hollywood film The Christophers is a dark comedy that blends satire, family drama, and art-world intrigue. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Steven Soderbergh, the film offers a sharp and unconventional story about greed, legacy, and deception. With a strong cast and a unique premise, it stands out as one of the more interesting films of 2026.
Release Date
The Christophers had its world premiere on 7 September 2025 at the Toronto International Film Festival.
After its festival debut, the film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on 10 April 2026 in the United States.
The movie will initially release in select cities like Los Angeles and New York before expanding to a wider audience. It is also set to release in the United Kingdom and Ireland on 15 May 2026.
Cast Names
The film features a strong ensemble cast, including:
- Ian McKellen as Julian Sklar
- Michaela Coel as Lori Butler
- James Corden as Barnaby Sklar
- Jessica Gunning as Sallie Sklar
This cast is one of the biggest strengths of the film. Ian McKellen plays the aging artist, while Michaela Coel takes on a complex role as an art restorer with a questionable past.
Story (Plot)
The story of The Christophers is clever, layered, and driven by human greed.
It revolves around the estranged children of a once-famous artist, Julian Sklar, who has long abandoned his work and is now struggling financially.
Hoping to secure a valuable inheritance, his children come up with a risky plan. They hire Lori Butler, an art restorer and former forger, to secretly complete their father’s unfinished paintings.
The idea is simple but deceptive—finish the paintings, hide them, and later present them as “rediscovered masterpieces” after their father’s death. This would allow them to sell the artwork for a huge profit.
However, as the plan unfolds, complications begin to arise. Relationships become strained, secrets start to surface, and the moral boundaries between art and fraud become increasingly blurred.
The film explores deeper themes such as authenticity, family conflict, greed, and the true value of art. It also questions whether something created through deception can still hold real worth.
In simple terms, The Christophers is not just about art—it’s about how far people are willing to go for money and legacy.
Director, Makers & Technical Team
- Director: Steven Soderbergh
- Writer: Ed Solomon
- Producers: Iain Canning, Jim Parks
- Music: David Holmes
- Cinematography: Peter Andrews
- Editing: Mary Ann Bernard
- Production: Department M, Butler & Sklar Productions
- Distributor: Neon (U.S.), Picturehouse Entertainment (U.K.)
The film continues Soderbergh’s trend of experimenting with different genres, combining humor with emotional depth and subtle storytelling.
Total Budget
The official budget of The Christophers has not been publicly disclosed.
However, given its mid-scale production, limited locations (mainly in London), and focus on character-driven storytelling rather than visual effects, the film is expected to fall under a moderate budget range.
Final Thoughts
The Christophers is not a typical comedy. It mixes humor with serious themes, creating a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The idea of art forgery within a family drama gives it a fresh and original angle.
With strong performances, especially from Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel, and a director known for bold storytelling, the film carries high expectations.
In simple terms, The Christophers is a story about art, deception, and family—where the real question is not what is real, but what is valuable.
