Neon will debut Steven Soderbergh The Christophers in New York and Los Angeles on Friday, April 10, before rolling it out nationwide later this spring. The film was acquired by the Oscar-winning studio, Anora, following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Neon previously distributed Soderbergh’s ghost story Presence, which appeared in theaters just a year ago.
Plot and Cast Details of The Christophers
The Christophers is a drama written by Ed Solomon, known for his work on Men in Black, and features Michaela Coel, Ian McKellen, Jessica Gunning, and James Corden. The story centers on estranged siblings, played by Gunning and Corden, who seek to inherit the legacy of their father, Julian Sklar (McKellen), a once-famous London pop artist from the 1960s and 70s. Unable to paint for many years and financially strained, Sklar’s children enlist Lori, a struggling artist and former art forger portrayed by Coel, to impersonate an assistant in order to steal and finish eight buried unfinished paintings. Their intent is to have these works discovered only after Julian’s death, securing their inheritance.
Background on Julian Sklar and The Scheme to Complete His Art
Julian Sklar gained prominence during London’s pop art movement in the mid-20th century but has remained inactive artistically for decades. His financial difficulties have left him broke, prompting his two grown children to hatch a plan aimed at profiting from his unreleased works. Lori’s role as an art restorer and ex-forger makes her uniquely suited to complete the hidden artworks while maintaining secrecy. This plotline delves into family dynamics and the ethics surrounding art forgery and legacy.
Neon’s Position and Upcoming Slate
Neon stands out as a leading motion picture studio, having garnered 21 Golden Globe nominations this year—the highest of any studio—and securing three wins for films including The Secret Agent and Sentimental Value. Additionally, five of Neon’s releases have been submitted by their respective countries for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The studio has an ambitious 2026 lineup, with several notable projects including Ugo Bienvenu’s Arco, Oliver Laxe’s Sirat, Matt Johnson’s Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, Baz Luhrmann’s EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, Genki Kawamura’s horror film Exit 8, and Boots Riley’s I Love Boosters, which will premiere at SXSW.
The Significance of The Christophers’ Release
The Christophers marks another collaboration with Steven Soderbergh under Neon’s distribution, illustrating the studio’s commitment to distinctive cinema. With a cast led by respected actors such as Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel, and a script from Ed Solomon, the film promises to explore complicated family relationships against the backdrop of artistic legacy. Its April release positions it strategically for awards consideration and wider audience engagement. The unfolding family drama combined with the high stakes of art forgery may resonate strongly amid current conversations about authenticity and legacy in both art and film industries.
“The Ones That Are Sticking With Their Values In Difficult Moments” – Wagner Moura, Actor
