From rock stars to ring queens: 5 Irish biopics we'd love to see hit our screens

Extra.ie​

4 days ago

When news broke that a biopic on Sinéad O'Connor was finally in the works, it felt like a long-overdue moment.
The late singer was more than a musician, she was a fearless voice who challenged authority, shattered expectations, and left a legacy that still reverberates.
Now, that legacy is set to be immortalised on the big screen, with Variety having confirmed that a Sinéad O'Connor biopic is in shared development, with Irish production company, I.E. Entertainment, one of the companies behind the new project. When news broke that a biopic on Sinéad O'Connor was finally in the works, it felt like a long-overdue moment. Pic: Joseph Okpako/Redferns via Getty Images
In 2022, they executive produced Sinéad's critically acclaimed documentary 'Nothing Compares', working alongside the musician in the process.
The biopic is also being co-produced by fellow Irish banner Nine Daughters, whose previous works include 2022 Paul Mescal film 'God's Creatures' and 2016's 'Lady MacBeth', starring Florence Pugh.
See-Saw Films are also behind the new project. They have produced Apple TV series 'Slow Horses, starring Gary Oldman and the British Netflix series 'Heartstopper'. The late singer was more than a musician, she was a fearless voice who challenged authority, shattered expectations, and left a legacy that still reverberates. Pic: Mick Hutson/Redferns
But Sinéad isn't the only Irish star whose life is crying out for the big-screen treatment. From chart-topping voices to Hollywood heavyweights, Ireland has produced icons whose stories are as dramatic, messy, and inspiring as anything you'd find in a script.
Here are five Irish celebrities who deserve their own cinematic spotlight. Pic:Frontman of The Pogues, Shane MacGowan was a lyrical genius and a punk-era enigma whose tumultuous life, steeped in music, addiction, and Irish identity could offer a lot of emotional complexity for viewers.
His life has all the tragedy and triumph that makes for a riveting biopic, not to mention his lengthy love story with Victoria Mary Clarke.
From early days in Pembury to his tragic passing in November 2023, we think Shane and his story are fit for the big screen.
Potential Casting: Barry Keoghan. Pic: David Wolff – Patrick/Redferns
The late frontwoman of The Cranberries left behind anthems like Zombie and Linger, which are still greatly ingrained in popular culture today.
Her rise from Limerick to global stardom, struggles with fame and mental health, and her tragically early passing would make for a poignant, music-driven film.
While we believe no one will ever be able to perfectly capture Dolores' stage presence, we'd love to see her honoured on our screens once more.
Potential Casting: Jessie Buckley. Pic: Richard McCaffrey/ Michael Ochs Archive/ Getty Images
Phil Lynott wasn't just the frontman of Thin Lizzy, he was Ireland's first true rock star.
Born to a single Irish mother and a Guyanese father in 1949, he grew up as one of the few Black faces in Dublin at the time. That outsider status shaped both his swagger and his sensitivity, later channeled into lyrics that gave Thin Lizzy their edge.
A Phil Lynott biopic would trace his rise from Dublin pubs to international stages, but it would also explore the demons; addiction, fame, and fragile identity, that led to his untimely death at just 36.
Potential Casting: Daryl McCormack. Pic: Getty Images
U2's frontman is one of Ireland's most famous exports.
Beyond the band's global success, his activism, from Live Aid to debt relief campaigns, makes his life a mix of rock 'n' roll drama and political influence.
While he's still relatively young to warrant a biopic of his life, we think a flick charting the early rise of U2 could definitely grip audiences.
Potential Casting: Elijah Hewson (his son). Pic: INPHO/James Crombie
Olympic gold medalist and undisputed lightweight boxing champion, Katie Taylor is already a living legend.
Her journey from Bray to the top of her sport, fighting in a male-dominated world and reshaping women's boxing, would be electrifying on screen.
Katie's 2018 documentary went down a treat with viewers, proving theirs clearly an appetite for her humble rags to riches tale.
Potential Casting: Hazel Doupe.