Aran Murphy, son of acclaimed actor Cillian Murphy, is gaining attention as a rising actor with a role in War, a forthcoming legal drama co-produced by Sky and HBO. The series, set in London, focuses on a high-stakes legal battle between two rival law firms and is created by George Kay, known for his work on Hijack.
Aran Murphy’s Expanding Acting Career
Aran Murphy has begun to establish himself in the acting world, building on early roles such as his appearance in the 2022 science fiction film Lola. He is also slated to appear in the adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel Klara and the Sun, which is scheduled for release in 2026. As the son of Cillian Murphy and artist Yvonne McGuinness, Aran has quietly developed his career while gaining support from his family.
Overview of the War Series and Cast
The story of War centers around two prestigious London law firms, Cathcarts and Taylor and Byrne, who engage in a divorce case hailed as the “case of the century.” Both sides are confident in their ability to win, but the conflict proves more complex as the series unfolds. The show will follow an anthology format, introducing new legal battles with each season.
Alongside Aran Murphy, the cast includes notable actors such as Dominic West (The Crown) and Sienna Miller (Layer Cake), with Celia Imrie (The Thursday Murder Club) and Nick Mohammed (Ted Lasso) among the ensemble. Other cast members are Miles Jupp, Steve Furst, Akiya Henry, Camille Coduri, Mark Quartley, Shaheen Jafargholi, Rose Williams, Honor Swinton Byrne, Kartanya Maynard, Alexandra Mardell, Phoebe Fox, James McArdle, Nina Sosanya, Pip Torrens, and Archie Renaux. The series is led by showrunner George Kay and directed by Ben Taylor, known for Catastrophe.
Family Background and Early Influences
Cillian Murphy, recognized for his performances in Oppenheimer, Peaky Blinders, and Dunkirk, has maintained a strong commitment to privacy and family life throughout his career. Reflecting on his priorities, he once shared,
I don’t need to live in Los Angeles,
emphasizing his desire to remain close to his family.
I’d be tremendously far away from my family.
He also speaks highly of his wife’s role in supporting his work-life balance, stating,
I have an amazing wife, and I couldn’t do this without her and her understanding,
highlighting the importance of family support in their lives.
Aran Murphy grew up away from the spotlight but showed early signs of artistic promise. By age 11, he toured internationally in the play Hamnet, performing in cities including London, New York, Boston, and Hong Kong. Cillian noted his son’s grounded nature during this time:
He would come off stage and ask what the score was in the Liverpool game,
revealing Aran’s down-to-earth personality despite a busy schedule.
Aran Murphy’s Emerging Screen Presence
Following his theatrical beginnings, Aran launched his film career with Lola. His casting in Taika Waititi’s adaptation of Klara and the Sun alongside stars Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams further marks his rise in the entertainment industry. The upcoming role in War represents another significant milestone as he builds his profile as an actor in high-profile productions.
As Aran Murphy continues to develop his craft with challenging roles and notable projects, his career gains momentum within the competitive landscape of television and film.
