Renowned actor Cillian Murphy, known for his role as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders, demonstrated his fatherly instincts off-screen by inviting Barry Keoghan to play his on-screen son Duke in the upcoming film An Immortal Man. This gesture occurred on Father’s Day, underscoring Murphy’s supportive approach in both family life and his professional circle. The film continues the Peaky Blinders saga, promising to deepen the complex father-son dynamics through the characters.
Barry Keoghan’s Account of the Unexpected Offer
Barry Keoghan, who plays Duke in the new film, shared details about this surprising casting during an interview with Fleur East and Will Best on Hits Radio. Keoghan revealed that after sending Murphy a Father’s Day greeting, he received an unexpected message inviting him to take on the role.
“Every actor needs to text their favourite older actor Happy Father’s Day! I’ve always kept in touch with him, and I text him Happy Father’s Day, and he said, ‘Do you want to play my son Duke?’”
Keoghan explained. He considered the role a “no-brainer” after reading the script, which captured the emotional depth of a young boy yearning for his father’s approval.
Shared History and Mutual Admiration on Set
The two actors first worked together on the 2017 film Dunkirk, and their rapport has only grown since. Murphy praised Keoghan’s on-screen presence during a BBC Radio 6 interview, describing him as a magnetic performer:
“You just put a camera on him and he’s instantly interesting. He’s got that real kind of unpredictability, but also that wonderful vulnerability. And, you know, he looks great in a three-piece suit and a cap.”
Their collaboration in An Immortal Man highlights a natural chemistry that enriches the storyline of Peaky Blinders.
Murphy’s Professional Discipline Observed by Keoghan
Keoghan also spoke about Murphy’s intense and disciplined work ethic, likening it to that of an athlete.
“There is no slacking for him. And it’s not in an intimidating way. It is in a way that he does not settle for less. He has an athlete’s approach to it. Cillian is such a legend. He does not say anything, but you feel it,”
Keoghan told The Mirror. This dedication extends to the smallest details, as shown when Murphy expressed genuine excitement seeing Keoghan in costume for the series:
“He was more excited to see me in my costume. He was like, ‘Ah man, look at you.’”
Balancing Fame with Family Life
Though Cillian Murphy is in the spotlight for his acting career, he and his wife, Yvonne McGuinness, maintain a private family life with their two sons, Aran and Malachy. Despite their privacy, both sons show interest in the arts, particularly acting, occasionally appearing with their father at events. Murphy spoke to The Telegraph in 2024 about his son Aran’s talent and the challenges of living up to a famous parent’s reputation, saying:
“One of my friends saw him in a play and said, ‘Cill, he’s better looking, he’s a better actor, he’s younger, and he’s taller. You’re [expletive].’ We’ll see. People are smart enough to judge you on your talent. There’s no way any kid will get by on nepotism alone. Everyone in this business gets found out unless they’re good, and he’s a good little actor.”
Aran Murphy’s Emerging Acting Career
Aran Murphy is forging his own path and is set to star in an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel Klara and the Sun, directed by Taika Waititi. Cillian remains supportive of his sons’ individual choices, stating:
“But we’re not putting him under any pressure. If he decides to become a musician or a poet or a farmer or a chef, that’s up to him. It may not be the thing he does, but he’s really good at it.”
This openness reflects a father’s desire to nurture his children’s passions, irrespective of their fame or career choices.
Impact of Murphy’s Gesture on Peaky Blinders’ Future
This fatherly gesture from Cillian Murphy not only strengthens the bond between two talented actors but also promises to add intriguing emotional layers to the Peaky Blinders narrative. By selecting Barry Keoghan for this important role, Murphy brings authenticity to the portrayal of family ties within the franchise, which fans are eager to see unfold. With both lead actors bringing dedication and vulnerability to their characters, the upcoming film is expected to resonate deeply with audiences.
