On Father’s Day, Cillian Murphy made a remarkable gesture that stirred excitement among Peaky Blinders fans by inviting Barry Keoghan to portray Duke, the illegitimate son of Murphy’s character, Tommy Shelby, in the upcoming film An Immortal Man. This fatherly gesture from Murphy, known primarily for keeping his family life private, brought attention to his supportive relationship with his co-star. The Cillian Murphy fatherly gesture has prompted discussions of mentorship and close bonds behind the scenes as the film nears release.
The Irish actor, who shares two sons, Aran and Malachy, with his wife Yvonne McGuinness, chose to extend his protective instincts beyond his own children. Barry Keoghan, 33, revealed in a recent interview that after Murphy received a Father’s Day text from him, the actor swiftly responded by offering him the role of his on-screen son.
Barry Keoghan Reflects on the Role and Relationship with Murphy
During a conversation with Fleur East and Will Best on Hits Radio, Barry explained the interaction: after sending Murphy a Father’s Day greeting, he received the surprising offer to join the Peaky Blinders film cast. Reflecting on the dynamic, Barry emphasized how the role resonated with him due to its emotional depth, portraying a boy longing to find his father in Tommy Shelby.
“That’s how it happened, and it was a no-brainer. I got the script and read it, and that’s what screamed to me was that dynamic of emulating Tommy Shelby and trying to be Tommy Shelby and then seeing just a boy cry out for his father…”
– Barry Keoghan
This is not the first time the two actors have worked together, having previously collaborated on Christopher Nolan’s 2017 film Dunkirk. Murphy praised Keoghan’s compelling presence in a BBC Radio 6 interview, highlighting his natural magnetism and depth.
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.
– Cillian Murphy
Murphy’s Intense Professionalism Inspires Co-Star
Barry Keoghan also shared insights into Murphy’s work ethic, describing it as disciplined and athlete-like, inspiring those around him to bring their best every day on set. The Batman star’s approach demands high standards, yet without intimidation, creating an environment where excellence thrives.
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.
– Barry Keoghan
Keoghan recounted the excitement Murphy showed when seeing him in costume for the first time during Peaky Blinders filming:
He (Cillian) was more excited to see me in my costume. He was like, ‘Ah man, look at you.’
– Barry Keoghan
Keeping Family Life Private Despite Rising Fame
While Murphy is a family man devoted to his wife Yvonne McGuinness and their two sons, he carefully maintains a discreet personal life. Nevertheless, his sons Aran and Malachy have occasionally appeared alongside him on red carpets, sparking interest in their own artistic potential. Both boys show inclinations toward acting, with Aran already attracting praise for his talent.
In a 2024 interview with The Telegraph, Murphy discussed Aran’s emerging career without imposing pressure on him, allowing room for personal choice and growth.
“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,”
Murphy revealed.
He added,
“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.”
Aran Murphy is gaining recognition and is set to appear in an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel Klara and the Sun, directed by Taika Waititi.
The Broader Impact of Murphy’s Supportive Nature
Cillian Murphy’s fatherly gesture to Barry Keoghan goes beyond a simple casting decision, illustrating the mentorship and respect that underpin their professional relationship. This bond highlights a deep layer of connection among actors who share intense creative spaces, especially in projects as emotionally charged as Peaky Blinders. Murphy’s balance between protecting his private family life and offering guidance to fellow actors enhances his reputation as both a dedicated father and a respected artist.
As An Immortal Man approaches release, the anticipation around Murphy and Keoghan’s on-screen dynamic grows, promising to deliver the intensity and complexity that fans expect. Murphy’s influence is likely to continue shaping his co-stars’ performances, fostering talent that extends his legacy on and off screen.
