Irish actor Aran Murphy is establishing his career independently as he lands three major screen projects arriving within weeks of one another in 2026. The 19-year-old actor, who is the son of Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy, is stepping into the spotlight with high-profile roles across television and film.
According to reports from GQ, Aran secured his role in the legal drama War shortly after completing Ireland’s Leaving Certificate examinations. He finished school in June, learned about the casting for War in September, and joined Sharon Horgan’s comedy series Youth in October, marking a rapid and intense transition from secondary education to professional acting.
Breakout Television Roles in HBO Productions
Aran’s 2026 lineup kicks off with major television credits on HBO. He appears in Sharon Horgan’s dramedy Youth, where his performance earned significant praise from his co-star and show creator, who hailed the young Irish actor as ‘dramatically brilliant.’ In the series, Aran plays Ruairí, an 18-year-old navigating the uncomfortable in-between stage of adolescence and adulthood, opposite Horgan, who portrays his divorced mother.
Following Youth, Aran takes on a role in HBO and Sky’s legal thriller War, which released its first season in October and has already been renewed for a second season. The series features an ensemble cast including Dominic West and Sienna Miller, placing Aran firmly among established international talent in high-stakes dramatic television.
Transition to the Big Screen in Klara and the Sun
Capping off his breakout year, Aran makes his major feature film debut on the big screen. He stars in Taika Waititi’s film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s bestselling novel, Klara and the Sun, scheduled to reach cinemas on October 23.
The highly anticipated adaptation features Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams. Aran plays Rick, the neighbor and best friend of Josie, who is portrayed by Mia Tharia. Working alongside a celebrated cast and visionary director gives the young actor his largest cinematic platform to date.
Building an Independent Acting Career
Although wider audiences are only recently getting to know him, Aran has built a foundation in performance over several years, largely away from the attention attracted by his surname. At age 11, he played the title role in Hamnet, a solo play by the Irish theatre company Dead Centre that toured from Dublin to stages in London, New York, Boston, Brisbane, and Hong Kong. He later appeared in the 2022 feature film Lola.
With three major projects rolling out across a matter of weeks, Aran Murphy is demonstrating his range across comedy, legal drama, and speculative cinema, setting the stage for a lasting career in the entertainment industry.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aran Murphy
How old is Aran Murphy?
Aran Murphy is 19 years old.
Who are Aran Murphy’s parents?
Aran Murphy is the son of Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy and artist Yvonne McGuinness.
What are Aran Murphy’s three 2026 projects?
His three major screen projects in 2026 are Sharon Horgan’s comedy series Youth, the legal drama series War, and Taika Waititi’s feature film Klara and the Sun.
Who does Aran Murphy play in Klara and the Sun?
Aran plays Rick, the neighbor and best friend of Josie (played by Mia Tharia), in the film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel.
What was Aran Murphy’s acting debut?
Before his major screen roles in 2026, Aran performed extensively in theatre-including playing the title role in the play Hamnet at age 11-and appeared in the 2022 feature film Lola.
