Helen Mirren to Star in 'The Good Liar' with Ian McKellen

Helen Mirren is set to star in the upcoming film "The Good Liar" (File photo).

LOS ANGELES  – Oscar winner Helen Mirren (“The Queen”) and two-time Oscar nominee Ian McKellen (“Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “Gods and Monsters”) will be on the big screen for the first time in “The Good Liar.”  Bill Condon, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of “Gods and Monsters” will direct and produce from a screenplay by Jeffrey Hatcher (“Mr. Holmes”), based on the widely acclaimed book by Nicholas Searle.

Career con artist Roy Courtnay (McKellen) can hardly believe his luck when he meets well-to-do widow Betty McLeish (Mirren) online.  As Betty opens her home and life to him, Roy is surprised to find himself caring about her, turning what should be a cut-and-dry swindle into the most treacherous tightrope walk of his life.

“The Good Liar” also stars Russell Tovey (TV’s “Quantico”) and Jim Carter (TV’s “Downton Abbey”).

Condon produces alongside producer Greg Yolen.  Serving as executive producers are Jack Morrissey, Nick O’Hagan, Aaron L. Gilbert, and Jason Cloth.  

The creative filmmaking team includes director of photography Tobias A. Schliessler (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Mr. Holmes”), production designer John Stevenson (BAFTA nominee, “Burton and Taylor”), editor Virginia Katz (“Mr. Holmes,” ACE Award winner for “Dreamgirls”) and costume designer Keith Madden (miniseries “Patrick Melrose,” “Mr. Holmes”).

“The Good Liar” will film on location in London and Berlin.  It is set for a 2019 release.