Cillian Murphy’s son to star in new HBO series

Cillian Murphy’s son, Aran Murphy, is stepping into the spotlight with an exciting new project that’s already turning heads.

The 17-year-old, who bears a striking resemblance to his Oscar-winning father, has joined the cast of WAR, an upcoming HBO production that also stars Dominic West and Sienna Miller. 

Aran’s talent agency announced the news on Instagram, sharing a photo of the young actor and celebrating his growing career.

While WAR marks his first major television role, Aran is no stranger to the screen. He previously appeared in the 2022 film Lola and will soon be seen in Taika Waititi’s Klara and the Sun, alongside Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams.

Aran is one of two sons Cillian Murphy shares with his wife, artist Yvonne McGuinness. 

The couple also has an older son, Malachy. Earlier this year, the family made a rare red carpet appearance together at the 2024 Oscars, where Murphy won Best Actor for his role in Oppenheimer. 

The actor walked hand in hand with McGuinness while their teenage sons, dressed in matching black tuxedos, followed close behind.

Murphy has often credited his family for their unwavering support throughout his career. At the Palm Springs International Film Awards in January, he took a heartfelt moment to thank his wife and sons while accepting the Desert Palm Achievement Award.

“Because I don’t ever really get to do this too often, I want to say thanks to my family,” he said. 

“Two-thirds of them are sitting down there. We had to leave one of them at home doing exams. But just thanks for putting up with me — putting up with the half me and the shadow me and the absent me, the remains of me when I’m doing a film like this or work in general. You’re always there. I love it. So thanks, guys.”

Though Murphy is one of Hollywood’s most private stars, he’s shared before that he and McGuinness are intentional about keeping their children’s lives grounded and away from the spotlight. 

Speaking to The Guardian in 2016, he reflected on how proud he is of how his sons have grown up.

“I don’t know, they seem better adjusted than I was. More sure of themselves,” he said. 

“I’m happy about that. For me, it was something that took a long time to figure out: that it’s all right to be you, that it’s all right to be an individual.”

Now, with Aran following his father’s path into acting, it seems the next generation of Murphy talent is ready to shine, this time on his own terms.