Ian McKellen Does His Own Beekeeping Stunts In ‘Mr Holmes’ Teaser Trailer

Mr. Holmes was one of the bright spots of this year’s Berlin Film Festival where it debuted out of competition. Director Bill Condon reteams with his Gods And Monsters star Ian McKellen who plays the 93-year-old Sherlock as he revisits the circumstances of the unsolved case that forced him into retirement, and searches for answers to the mysteries of life and love – before it’s too late. Laura Linney plays his housekeeper and Milo Parker is her young son and Holmes’ protégé.

In the teaser above, there is more emphasis on the aged Holmes’ hobby of beekeeping than we’ve seen in previous clips. At the press conference in Berlin, McKellen said the prospect of working with the insects had given him pause, so he told Condon, “Look, I’m delighted to play Sherlock, but I am having nothing to do with bees.” Ultimately, he was sent on a “bee training course” and did all of his own stunts.

The fact that the well-received movie did not run in competition in Berlin caused consternation for some who believed it would have had a strong shot at prizes. Roadside Attractions and Miramax are partnered for the U.S. release this summer.

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