The original cut of the film screened in 2023 had a very different feel, with Ian McKellen's character more distanced from the narrative core. Distributors Lionsgate had the film re-edited, with newly shot footage, to not only make him the central core of the film but also to have a more palatable ending to the story.
Premiered at TIFF 2023 with mixed reviews and a dark ending that turned the audience off. The film's distributor requested re-shoots to take place in March/April 2024 and a new cut of the film including a new ending.
Editor John Gilbert was hired in January 2024 following the film's premiere in September at TIFF 2023 to work on a new version of the film which will also include major re-shoots for it to be released theatrically in the UK in the fall of 2024.
Ben Barnes' first theatrical film role in nine years, having last appeared in Der siebte Sohn (2014).
The film was released almost exactly 60 years after Sir Ian McKellen's television debut in August 1964 (a copy of which is believed to still be in existence).