Aran Murphy, the 17-year-old son of Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy, has officially joined the cast of WAR, an upcoming HBO and Sky co-production. The series, which also stars Dominic West and Sienna Miller, marks Aran’s first television role. The announcement was made by his talent agency via Instagram, accompanied by a headshot of the young actor, whose resemblance to his father has drawn widespread attention.
Aran previously appeared in the 2022 film Lola and is set to star in Taika Waititi’s upcoming feature Klara and the Sun alongside Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams.
Aran Murphy, son of Cillian Murphy, has been cast in WAR, an HBO and Sky co-produced series currently in development. The casting was confirmed in October 2025 via his talent agency’s Instagram. Aran joins a high-profile ensemble including Dominic West and Sienna Miller, signaling a major step in his acting career. The project adds to Aran’s growing résumé, which includes roles in Lola (2022) and the upcoming Klara and the Sun.
Cast, Credits, and Family Support
- Series: WAR (HBO/Sky co-production)
- Co-stars: Dominic West, Sienna Miller
- Previous credits: Lola (2022), Klara and the Sun (2026)
- Parents: Cillian Murphy (actor), Yvonne McGuinness (visual artist)
- Sibling: Malachy Murphy
Aran’s casting comes after a series of public appearances with his family, including the 2024 Oscars and Golden Globes, where he accompanied his father during the Oppenheimer awards season run.
Quotes and Reactions
Cillian Murphy, speaking at the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Awards, said:
“Thanks for putting up with the half me and the shadow me… You’re always there. I love it.”
In a 2016 interview with The Guardian, Murphy reflected on parenting:
“They seem better adjusted than I was. More sure of themselves… It’s all right to be an individual.”
Fans and industry watchers have praised Aran’s early career choices, noting his poise and talent. One casting director told Variety:
“He’s got the look, the presence, and clearly, the pedigree. But he’s carving his own path.”
Legacy and Industry Expectations
Aran Murphy’s entry into television under the HBO banner places him in a strong position to build a lasting career. With comparisons to his father inevitable, his early roles suggest a deliberate effort to balance high-profile projects with artistic credibility.
His casting also reflects a broader trend of second-generation actors stepping into the spotlight, often with a mix of public curiosity and critical scrutiny.
What’s Next: Release Timeline and Future Projects
Production on WAR is expected to begin in early 2026, with a premiere likely in late 2026 or early 2027. Meanwhile, Klara and the Sun, directed by Taika Waititi, is slated for a theatrical release in summer 2026.
Aran is also rumored to be in talks for a stage production in London’s West End, though no official details have been confirmed.
