Cillian Murphy’s Oppenheimer Premiere in Toronto – News & Updates
- Watch: Cillian Murphy and Eileen Walsh discuss making Small Things Like These
# Cillian Murphy to Star in New Netflix Film ‘Steve’ Alongside Tracey Ullman and Little Simz
Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy is set to lead the cast of “Steve,” a new film for Netflix, marking his latest collaboration with acclaimed author Max Porter. The project reunites Murphy with Porter, following their previous work on the stage adaptation of Porter’s “Grief Is the Thing with Feathers” and the short film “All of This unreal Time.”
## A Deep Dive into ‘Steve’
Netflix describes the film as following “a pivotal day in the life of headteacher Steve (Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy) and his students at a last-chance reform school amidst a world that has forsaken them.” The narrative will explore Steve’s fight to protect the school from impending closure while together grappling with his own mental health struggles.
Parallel to Steve’s journey,the film introduces Shy (Jay Lycurgo),a troubled teen navigating the complexities of his past and future. Shy is depicted as a character caught between his inner fragility and a destructive impulse, offering a poignant counterpoint to Steve’s experiences.
### A Stellar Ensemble Cast
Joining Cillian Murphy in “Steve” are a host of talented actors. The cast includes emily Watson, known for her powerful performances, and newcomer Jay Lycurgo, who makes his feature film debut. Adding further star power are Tracey Ullman, celebrated for her work on “The Tracey Ullman Show” and “Mrs america,” and the multi-talented rapper and artist Little Simz, also known as Simbiatu Ajikawo, who makes her acting debut under the name “iron is Juite.”
## Big Things Films’ Second Feature
“Steve” is the second feature film from Big Things Films,the production company founded by Cillian Murphy and his production partner Alan Moloney. Their debut venture, the acclaimed adaptation of Claire keegan’s bestseller “Small Things Like These,” has already garnered important praise.
### Murphy’s Passion for porter’s Work
Cillian Murphy has spoken enthusiastically about his admiration for Max Porter’s writing. In an interview with entertainment trade publication *Deadline* when “Steve” was first announced in February 2024, Murphy shared his deep connection to Porter’s storytelling.”I just adore Max’s writing and the thing his writing does for me, which Claire Keegan’s writing does as well – and it’s something I’ve always chased down in writing – is something that has an actual visceral effect on you, an emotional effect,” Murphy explained.
He recalled the profound impact of reading Porter’s novel “Shy” in its proof edition before its official release. “Max gave me that book in a proof edition before he finished it, and again it just broke my heart,” he said. “They’re the sorts of things I love as a reader and as a performer, so I really wanted to do something with him.” This sentiment echoes his experience with Claire Keegan’s “Foster,” which moved him to tears.
The collaboration between Murphy and Porter, rooted in a shared recognition for emotionally resonant narratives, promises a compelling and impactful cinematic experience with “Steve.”
Watch: Cillian Murphy and Eileen Walsh discuss making Small Things Like These