“Brian Cox Directorial Debut 'Glenrothan' First Look Revealed”

Brian Cox's feature debut Glenrothan – billed as his “love letter to Scotland” – has completed production. A first look shows the “Succession” star next to Alan Cumming in a room full of whiskey barrels.

In addition to unveiling a first look at the feature film, Protagonist Pictures has committed to global sales and will be screening exclusive footage for buyers at the upcoming American Film Market.

Lionsgate, which co-developed the project with London studio Nevision, has secured UK rights to the Scottish-filmed family drama.

In “Glenrothan,” Donal (Cumming) reluctantly returns to the Scottish Highlands after 35 years in Chicago to reconcile with his estranged older brother Sandy (Cox). Sandy needs Donal to take over the family whiskey distillery or he will be forced to sell and give up the family legacy. But their reunion forces the brothers to confront the past and the real reason why Donal left Glenrothan. Shirley Henderson (“Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” “See How They Run”) and Alexandra Shipp (“Barbie,” “Anyone But You”) also star in the film.

“Glenrothan” is produced by Cox, Neil Zeiger, Crystine Zhang (“Prisoner's Daughter,” “Lee”), Phin Glynn (“Argentina 1985,” “Kill The Jockey”), Nic Crum (“Book of Love”) and James Cabourne and Vladimir Zemtsov (“Club Zero”). The film is co-produced by Nevision and Blazing Griffin Pictures in association with Screen Scotland, Oval-5, Gold Rush Pictures, Head Gear, Infinity Hill and Lionsgate.

“'Glenrothan' is a poignant, funny and powerful story about the universal themes of family and heritage, set against the stunning backdrop of Scotland and deep in the world of whiskey,” said Dave Bishop, CEO of Protagonist. “Brian is an undeniable talent, both behind and in front of the camera, and is joined by the extraordinary Alan Cumming – so we’re excited to introduce buyers to this special film when we unveil exclusive footage at the upcoming AFM.”

Neil Zeiger, lead producer, added: “It was a great pleasure helping to bring 'Glenrothan', Brian's 'love letter to Scotland', to the screen.” Working with our incredible cast, led by Alan, Shirley and Alexandra, Brian directed the film brilliantly. A universal story, wonderful performances and breathtaking images characterize the film. I am confident that Glenrothan will delight and captivate audiences around the world.”

The protagonist's current films include the Venice, TIFF and San Sebastian selections: “Kill the Jockey,” directed by Luis Ortega, recently selected as an Argentine feature nominee for the 2025 Academy Awards; Samir Oliveros' TIFF title “The Luckiest Man in America,” starring Emmy and Golden Globe winner Paul Walter Hauser; the genre-bending comedy “Sister Midnight,” which recently screened at the London Film Festival and was nominated for the Camera D'Or at Cannes; and from directors Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson and Galen Johnson, the political horror comedy “Rumours,” which premiered at Cannes before screening at the Toronto, San Sebastian, New York and London film festivals.