Cillian Murphy is going back in time for his next movie after being cast in the upcoming film adaptation of the book Small Things Like These.
According to Deadline, he will be starring in and producing the big-screen adaptation of Wexford author Claire Keegan’s Booker Prize-nominated bestseller, with filming currently taking place in Ireland.
While we were unsure if Cillian would be acting in the movie, which is set in 1985, the US entertainment trade publication has now revealed that he will play the main character, Bill Furlong, a coal merchant and family man preparing for his busiest season.
While delivering an order to the local convent one morning, Bill makes a discovery which forces him to confront both his past.
The Cork actor will star alongside Ciarán Hinds and Emily Watson, with the script being written by Cillian’s longtime collaborator, playwright Enda Walsh.
Small Things Like These has already received the green light from Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s company Artists Equity as well as backing from Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland and is the first feature from Murphy and production partner Alan Moloney’s Big Things Films.
Speaking in a statement, Cillian said: “I’m honoured and thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Claire Keegan’s magnificent novel to the screen.
“We have gathered together a phenomenal team of creatives to make this film, and found exceptional partners in AE, a studio led by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck – actors and filmmakers I have admired for many years.”
You may also recognise Keegan’s name after her book, Foster was the basis for the Oscar-nominated Irish-language film An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl).
As for Small Things Like These, it’s longlisted for the Dublin Literary Award, with the shortlist set to be announced on Tuesday 28 March.
We have a good feeling about this one!
