‘Klara and the Sun’ Star Aran Murphy Discusses Future Collaboration With Dad Cillian Murphy

Aran Murphy is experiencing a significant autumn. The 19-year-old has an HBO comedy, a drama from HBO and Sky, and a Taika Waititi film all premiering within weeks, and nearly every interview circles back to one notable name: his father, Cillian Murphy.

As the youngest of Cillian’s two sons with visual artist Yvonne McGuinness, Aran was born in July 2007. He spent his early years in London before the family relocated to Dublin in 2015. He made his acting debut at 11 in the one-boy play ‘Hamnet’, which should not be confused with the upcoming 2025 film, and followed it with a small role in the 2022 Irish sci-fi film ‘Lola’.

His major television moment comes with HBO’s ‘Youth’, which premiered on September 20 on HBO and HBO Max. Created, written, and starring Sharon Horgan, the eight-episode comedy follows Alex, a 50-year-old divorcee navigating love and caring for her ailing parents while parenting her adult son. Aran portrays that son, Ruari, alongside Rupert Friend, Sharlene Whyte, and Robbie Gee.

With the spotlight on his family name, it was inevitable that the question arose. In an interview with Variety, when asked if he would like to share the screen with Cillian, Aran remained open yet noncommittal, indicating that while he’s not pursuing it now, he hasn’t closed the door on the possibility.

This question gained traction after a viral moment on September 11, when Aran walked the red carpet at a BAFTA screening of ‘Youth’ in London. A video interview from the event circulated widely, with viewers noting his voice, mannerisms, and expressions strikingly similar to his father’s. Many online commenters humorously suggested he would spend the early part of his career addressing questions about this resemblance.

Cillian has never pressured his son into the acting world. He mentioned to The Telegraph in 2024 that Aran shows promise as an actor but emphasized that he isn’t pushing him toward any specific path. The advice he shares is straightforward: trust your instincts.

The father-son duo has appeared together at significant events. Aran and his brother Malachy joined their parents at the Oscars in March 2024, when Cillian won Best Actor for ‘Oppenheimer’, and Cillian has expressed gratitude to both sons in several of his acceptance speeches. For now, however, Aran appears focused on establishing his own identity in the industry.

The next major milestone is ‘Klara and the Sun’, Waititi’s adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, set to release on October 23. Aran plays Rick, the best friend and neighbor of Josie, portrayed by Mia Tharia, in a cast that includes Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams. The Irish Times described this role as his first lead in a feature film.

He also features in ‘War’, the HBO and Sky co-production starring Dominic West and Sienna Miller, which premieres on Sky and Now on October 2. His agency announced his casting as Gabriel when he was 17, although the Irish Times notes it as a smaller role.

To prepare for ‘Youth’, Aran shared videos from his friends’ social media with the director and crew to help ground the teenage aspect of the story. He told Vanity Fair that Horgan’s portrayal of teen life felt annoyingly familiar, a compliment from someone still in his teenage years.

The series also launched at a significant time for Irish audiences, as Warner Bros. confirmed in March that HBO Max would debut in Ireland. This meant Aran’s breakthrough comedy could be streamed at home immediately.

With a comedy, a drama, and a major feature on his plate, Aran has plenty to keep him occupied without collaborating with his father. If the day arrives when they do share a scene, it will undoubtedly be one of the most eagerly awaited casting announcements in Irish cinema.

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