24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Netflix reveals first image of Cillian Murphy in new film, Steve
Netflix has released the first image of Cillian Murphy in his forthcoming film, Steve. The 49-year-old Cork actor stars in the title role of a movie adapted from the novella Shy, by Max Porter.
The released image shows a bearded Murphy leaning against a blackboard in a scene from the film which follows the titular headteacher at a reform school during a pivotal day in his life.
Due for a limited cinema release in September, before appearing on Netflix from October 3, the impressive cast also includes Tracey Ullman and Emily Watson, as well as Simbi Ajikawo (better known as London rapper Little Simz).
Murphy has had a strong association with British novelist Porter in recent years, having first appeared in a stage adaptation of his breakthrough novel Grief Is The Thing With Feathers in 2018, and also collaborating with him on short film All of This Unreal Time.
Max Porter and Cillian Murphy at Triskel in Cork in 2023 for the Sounds From a Safe Harbour festival. Picture: Brid O'Donovan
Both men are also listed as producers on Steve, and have signed up Tim Mielants to helm the film. Murphy first encountered the Belgian director while working on Peaky Blinders, and also enlisted him to direct the adaptation of Small Things Like These (2024).
The release of the film in September ensures a busy month for Murphy and Porter as both are also involved in Cork festival Sounds From A Safe Harbour (Sept 11-14). The Oppenheimer star and his artist wife, Yvonne McGuinness, also recently revealed their plans to refurbish the Phoenix Cinema in Dingle, and turn it into an arts centre.
Murphy has also been involved in the 28 Years Later trilogy of sequels with Danny Boyle, the director of 28 Days Later, the 2002 film that gave the Cork actor his international film break. While Murphy doesn't appear in the first of the trio of new films, he is expected to have a prominent role in the next instalment of the franchise, due in 2026.
