Cillian Murphy’s Son Aran Isn’t Ruling Out Acting Alongside His Oscar-Winning Dad, Just Not Yet
Following a famous parent into Hollywood comes with built-in attention, and few young actors know that better than Aran Murphy. The son of Oscar-winning ‘Oppenheimer’ star Cillian Murphy and visual artist Yvonne McGuinness, he has been quietly building an acting career of his own, one that’s now stepping into the spotlight.
Aran’s résumé started early. As a child, he played the title role in Dead Centre’s stage adaptation of ‘Hamnet’, which toured Dublin, London, New York, Brisbane and Hong Kong, before making his screen debut in the found-footage film ‘Lola’.
Now, with his first leading TV role on screens, one question keeps coming up: would he ever act opposite his father? Speaking to Variety, Aran kept his answer open-ended. He said he didn’t know, that maybe it could happen someday, but that it isn’t something he’s looking to do right now.
Aran’s big moment comes courtesy of ‘Youth’, a comedy-drama created by and starring Sharon Horgan that premiered on HBO Max on September 20. Horgan plays Alex, a 50-year-old London literary agent navigating divorce, ageing parents and a search for love and happiness.
Aran plays Ruari, Alex’s troubled teenage son. The series uses his storyline to explore how online influences shape teenage boys, with Ruari struggling emotionally while absorbing distorted ideas about masculinity. The cast also includes Sharlene Whyte as Alex’s best friend and boss, Sam, and Rupert Friend as Patrick, a Scotsman Alex is drawn to. Robbie Gee rounds out the ensemble.
Aran Murphy on if he’d ever want to share the screen with dad Cillian Murphy: “I don’t know. Maybe, who knows… Not right now.” https://t.co/hdb5VlzR5D
— Variety (@Variety) October 15, 2026
Aran’s red carpet appearances have drawn plenty of attention for another reason. At the London premiere of ‘Youth’ in September, fans quickly noted how much he looks like his father.
A red carpet interview from that night went viral, with viewers pointing out shared facial features, expressions, and even speech patterns. Some compared the way he answers questions to Cillian’s performance in ‘Oppenheimer’. That resemblance has only fueled curiosity about whether the 2 might one day share a project. For now, Aran seems focused on establishing himself on his own terms.
Aran Murphy on the advice his father Cillian Murphy gave him before his feature film debut in ‘Klara and the Sun’: “Trust your instincts and be kind to people” #LFF https://t.co/QH6HKrltj9
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) October 15, 2026
‘Youth’ is just the beginning for the young actor. Aran also appears in ‘War’, an HBO legal drama in which he plays Gabriel, the son of a divorcing couple played by Dominic West and Sienna Miller.
He’s also part of Taika Waititi’s ‘Klara and the Sun’, an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, playing a character named Rick. The film boasts an impressive cast that includes Amy Adams, Jenna Ortega, Natasha Lyonne, and Steve Buscemi.
That’s a remarkable lineup for an actor so early in his career. Working with directors and co-stars of that caliber should give him plenty of opportunities to step out of his father’s shadow.
Cillian Murphy’s own career needs little introduction. From ’28 Days Later’ and ‘Inception’ to ‘Peaky Blinders’ and his Academy Award-winning turn in ‘Oppenheimer’, he has become one of the most respected actors of his generation.
Aran’s measured response about working with his dad suggests he’s aware of that legacy, and in no hurry to lean on it. Building his own body of work first seems like a smart move for a young actor who is already drawing comparisons. Born in London, Aran moved with his family to Ireland in 2015. Now he’s back in the London spotlight with a show that puts his talent, not just his last name, front and center.
Would you like to see Aran Murphy act alongside his father, Cillian Murphy, in a future film or TV series?
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