Helen Mirren, Ian McKellen relish roles in ‘The Good Liar’

The new thriller “The Good Liar” unites Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen on the big screen together for the first time, and the actors say they enjoy getting such meaty roles at their ages.

Mirren says she’s grateful when she’s able to play someone who still has control over her life and has interesting things happening.

“The Good Liar” is a thriller in which McKellen plays a lifelong swindler who sets his sights on Mirren's character, a lonely widow named Betty.

This Nov. 3, 2019 photo shows actors Helen Mirren, left, and Ian McKellan pose for a portrait to promote their film "The Good Liar" in New York. (Photo by Christopher SmithInvisionAP)

McKellen says that while he might be 80, he still feels 16 years old on the inside.

Director Bill Condon says “The Good Liar’’ differs from many films starring older actors in that the characters’ mortality isn’t an issue.

“The Good Liar’’ opens in theaters Friday.

This Nov. 3, 2019 photo shows actors Helen Mirren, left, and Ian McKellan pose for a portrait to promote their film "The Good Liar" in New York. (Photo by Christopher SmithInvisionAP)

This Nov. 3, 2019 photo shows actors Helen Mirren, left, and Ian McKellan pose for a portrait to promote their film "The Good Liar" in New York. (Photo by Christopher SmithInvisionAP)

This Nov. 3, 2019 photo shows actors Helen Mirren, left, and Ian McKellan pose for a portrait to promote their film "The Good Liar" in New York. (Photo by Christopher SmithInvisionAP)

This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Russell Tovey in a scene from "The Good Liar." (Chia JamesWarner Bros. Pictures via AP)