2026 has proven to be a remarkable breakout year for Aran Murphy, son of Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy, delivering his first major projects in both TV and film.

Four years after making his screen debut in 2022 feature Lola, the 19 year old landed a supporting role in HBO’s dramedy Youth, released September 21. Murphy’s performance earned him significant praise from co-star and show creator Sharon Horgan, who hailed the young Irish actor as 'dramatically brilliant'. His second credit of the year comes in the shape of HBO and Sky’s legal thriller War, releasing October 2, where he stars alongside Dominic West and Sienna Miller, with the series already renewed for a second season. Murphy turns his attention to the big screen next, with his first lead film role in Klara and the Sun, an adaptation of Sir Kazuo Ishiguro’s eponymous bestseller. Capping off his standout year, he’ll walk the red carpet alongside Taika Waititi, Jenna Ortega and Amy Adams at the film’s London Film Festival premiere next week. With this sort of momentum, Murphy seems set for an impressive career in his own right.