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Frank and Percy
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Kaleidoscope Film Distribution (world) / Icon Film Distribution (UK)

Heartwarming queer romance: Irish theatre icons McKellen & Allam team up for «Frank and Percy», «Never too late to fall in love»

By  October 17, 2026 Film & Movies 4 Views

Ian McKellen and Roger Allam are reuniting on screen in what critics are already calling a «radical love story» exploring gay romance in later life.

Frank and Percy, adapted from Ben Weatherill’s acclaimed 2023 West End play, had its world premiere at the 70th BFI London Film Festival on 13 October 2026. The British comedy-drama is directed by Sean Mathias (Bent) and features a screenplay by Martin Sherman (Mrs Henderson Presents).

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 described as a «heartfelt, life-affirming tale about the courage to take a chance on love at any age»

«Radical Love Story»

Ian McKellen, who also serves as an Executive Producer, discussed why the film is so special. «It’s never too late to fall in love», he said, describing Frank and Percy as «such a special and radical love story, exploring gay love, friendship and the idea that it’s never too late to find someone special», FirstShowing.net reports.

Digital Spy added that «A celebration of love, companionship and second chances, Frank and Percy is a poignant reminder that it’s never too late to find someone».

The casting is stacked. Alongside McKellen and Allam, the film stars Stephen Fry, Jessica Gunning, Joanna Lumley, Derek Jacobi, Ncuti Gatwa, Rob Brydon, Felicity Kendal and Sheila Hancock, among others.

Production Notes

Co-produced and financed by John Gore Studios and BK Studios, Frank and Percy is set to hit UK cinemas in early 2027. Icon Film Distribution will release the film theatrically in the UK, while Kaleidoscope Film Distribution holds worldwide sales rights.

The film was announced in September 2025, when it was confirmed that McKellen and Allam would reprise their stage roles for the big screen adaptation. Principal photography began in London that October, Deadline, reports.

Broadway In Columbus reported that the project grew out of the original 2023 stage production at The Other Palace, which ran from September through December 2023. Director Sean Mathias helmed both the theatre and film versions.

Critic Reception

Early reviews from the London Film Festival are glowing. The Guardian gave it a positive notice, calling it a «bromance becomes romance for Ian McKellen and Roger Allam’s dog walkers». Liam O’Dell‘s review awarded it 5 out of 5 stars, calling it a «beautiful, cheeky tale of an older gay romance [that] will have you laughing one minute, and misty-eyed the next».

FirstShowing.net described the trailer as «charming» and noted that the film proves «it’s never too late to fall in love».

Sources: FirstShowing.net, Deadline, The Guardian, Digital Spy, Broadway In Columbus

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