Tag Archives: Brendan Gleeson

THE WEIR: first look

THE WEIR: first look

THE WEIR: first look

After decades of commanding the screen in films like THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN, Brendan Gleeson is making a triumphant return to his theatrical roots. The Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe-nominated, and Emmy-winning actor is set to make his long-awaited West End debut in Conor McPherson’s haunting masterpiece THE WEIR, marking not just a career milestone but a profound homecoming for one of Ireland’s most celebrated performers.

Gleeson’s journey back to the stage represents more than a simple career pivot. While audiences worldwide know him as the formidable Mad-Eye Moody or the gentle Uncle Pastuzo, his theatrical foundation runs deep. His return to live performance feels particularly poignant as he takes on the role of Jack in his native Dublin before transferring to London’s Harold Pinter Theatre, bridging the gap between his Irish heritage and international acclaim.

THE WEIR itself is a play that demands the kind of nuanced, lived-in performance that Gleeson has perfected over his career. McPherson’s modern classic unfolds on a stormy night in an isolated Irish pub, where four local men’s routine evening is transformed by the arrival of Valerie, a mysterious woman whose presence unleashes a cascade of increasingly unsettling tales. The stories they tell to impress her become windows into deeper truths about loneliness, connection, and the ghosts that haunt rural Irish life.

For Gleeson, the role of Jack offers a perfect synthesis of his screen expertise and stage origins. Jack is both everyman and storyteller, a character who embodies the kind of weathered authenticity that has become Gleeson’s signature. The play’s exploration of human connection through storytelling mirrors Gleeson’s own career journey from the intimate world of theater to the global reach of cinema, and now back again to the raw immediacy of live performance.

The production reunites Gleeson with a stellar Irish cast including Owen McDonnell from BAD SISTERS and KILLING EVE as Brendan, veteran actor Seán McGinley as Jim, Kate Phillips from PEAKY BLINDERS as Valerie, and Tom Vaughan-Lawlor, known for his powerful stage work in DANCING AT LUGHNASA, as Finbar. This ensemble brings together screen veterans and accomplished stage actors, creating the kind of theatrical alchemy that THE WEIR demands.

Gleeson’s return to the stage after his remarkable film career feels like a natural evolution rather than a departure. The intimate scale of THE WEIR, with its focus on character revelation through dialogue and storytelling, plays to his strengths as an actor who can convey volumes with a glance or inflection. The transition from the 3Olympia Theatre in Dublin to the Harold Pinter Theatre in London will allow audiences on both sides of the Irish Sea to witness this master craftsman at work in his element.

* NEW TRAILER ALERT *

Cillian Muprhy`s latest project STEVE premieres at Toronto Film Festival before hitting Netflix October 3rd.

Murphy plays a reform school headteacher fighting to save his institution while battling his own demons—because this man never takes the easy route.

Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.

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* NEW TRAILER ALERT * Cillian Muprhy's latest project STEVE premieres at Toronto Film Festival before hitting Netflix October 3rd. Murphy plays a reform school headteacher fighting to save his institution while battling his own demons—because this man never takes the easy route. Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.

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🎬 HE`S BACK. After 8 years in "retirement," Daniel Day-Lewis returns to the screen in ANEMONE - and it`s personal.

The three-time Oscar winner emerges from his artistic sabbatical for his most intimate project yet: a family drama he co-wrote with his son Ronan, who`s making his directorial debut.

World premiere at NYC Film Festival. October 3rd limited release. The legend continues. 🔥

More at irishfilmtv.com.

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🎬 HE'S BACK. After 8 years in "retirement," Daniel Day-Lewis returns to the screen in ANEMONE - and it's personal. The three-time Oscar winner emerges from his artistic sabbatical for his most intimate project yet: a family drama he co-wrote with his son Ronan, who's making his directorial debut. World premiere at NYC Film Festival. October 3rd limited release. The legend continues. 🔥 More at irishfilmtv.com.

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📺 NEW TRAILER ALERT 📺

Premiering Aug 28, THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB follows four retirees who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun - based on @misterosman’s bestselling novel.

Visit irishfilmtv.com for more!

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📺 NEW TRAILER ALERT 📺 Premiering Aug 28, THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB follows four retirees who spend their time solving cold case murders for fun - based on @misterosman’s bestselling novel. Visit irishfilmtv.com for more!

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🎭 LEGEND RETURNS TO THE STAGE 🎭

From Mad-Eye Moody to Uncle Pastuzo, Brendan Gleeson has captivated us on screen for decades. Now he`s making his WEST END DEBUT in THE WEIR! Dublin first (Aug 8-Sep 6) then London`s Harold Pinter Theatre (Sep 12-Dec 6).

More at irishfilmtv.com.

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🎭 LEGEND RETURNS TO THE STAGE 🎭 From Mad-Eye Moody to Uncle Pastuzo, Brendan Gleeson has captivated us on screen for decades. Now he's making his WEST END DEBUT in THE WEIR! Dublin first (Aug 8-Sep 6) then London's Harold Pinter Theatre (Sep 12-Dec 6). More at irishfilmtv.com.

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🎭 From beloved DERRY GIRL to Chekhov star!

Saoirse-Monica Jackson is trading the screen for the stage in Kabosh`s bold new adaptation of THREE SISTERS at @gaiety_theatre.

Visit irishfilmtv.com for ticket links!

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🎭 From beloved DERRY GIRL to Chekhov star! Saoirse-Monica Jackson is trading the screen for the stage in Kabosh's bold new adaptation of THREE SISTERS at @gaiety_theatre. Visit irishfilmtv.com for ticket links!

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Liam Neeson just crushed it as Frank Drebin Jr. in THE NAKED GUN and now he`s diving headfirst into horror comedy with COLD STORAGE.

At 72, Neeson is still choosing the wildest projects and we`re absolutely here for it. COLD STORAGE hits theaters next year!

Watch the crazy trailer at irishfilmtv.com.

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Liam Neeson just crushed it as Frank Drebin Jr. in THE NAKED GUN and now he's diving headfirst into horror comedy with COLD STORAGE. At 72, Neeson is still choosing the wildest projects and we're absolutely here for it. COLD STORAGE hits theaters next year! Watch the crazy trailer at irishfilmtv.com.

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NEW trailer alert! 🎬 From STAR WARS galaxies to Ohio newsrooms!

Domhnall Gleeson is trading his General Hux uniform for editor-in-chief duties in THE PAPER - @peacock!`s brilliant new spin on THE OFFICE universe.

Premiering Sep 4, watch trailer at irishfilmtv.com.

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NEW trailer alert! 🎬 From STAR WARS galaxies to Ohio newsrooms! Domhnall Gleeson is trading his General Hux uniform for editor-in-chief duties in THE PAPER - @peacock!'s brilliant new spin on THE OFFICE universe. Premiering Sep 4, watch trailer at irishfilmtv.com.

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From the Scottish Highlands to the boxing ring 🥊✨

Caitriona Balfe trades tartan for training gloves in THE CUT, Sean Ellis` brutal psychological boxing drama.

Our OUTLANDER queen steps WAY outside her comfort zone as Caitlin - wife, trainer, and witness to Orlando Bloom`s obsessed fighter spiraling toward self-destruction.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

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From the Scottish Highlands to the boxing ring 🥊✨ Caitriona Balfe trades tartan for training gloves in THE CUT, Sean Ellis' brutal psychological boxing drama. Our OUTLANDER queen steps WAY outside her comfort zone as Caitlin - wife, trainer, and witness to Orlando Bloom's obsessed fighter spiraling toward self-destruction. More at irishfilmtv.com.

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🎵 "Music to scare priests and politicians" 🎵

@celtic_utopia is shaking up everything you thought you knew about Irish folk music. This isn`t your typical Celtic sound— it`s raw, rebellious, and revolutionary.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

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🎵 "Music to scare priests and politicians" 🎵 @celtic_utopia is shaking up everything you thought you knew about Irish folk music. This isn't your typical Celtic sound— it's raw, rebellious, and revolutionary. More at irishfilmtv.com.

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DERRY GIRLS and GAME OF THRONES star Ian McElhinney hits the stage at @theeverymancork!

Running until Aug 10th - STONES IN HIS POCKETS has heart, humor, and a Hollywood ending that`ll leave you grinning! 🎭

More at irishfilmtv.com.

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DERRY GIRLS and GAME OF THRONES star Ian McElhinney hits the stage at @theeverymancork! Running until Aug 10th - STONES IN HIS POCKETS has heart, humor, and a Hollywood ending that'll leave you grinning! 🎭 More at irishfilmtv.com.

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Hollywood heavyweights Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander as... otherworldly beings? 👀

Na Hong-jin is BACK! After 10 years since THE WAILING left us speechless, the master of psychological horror returns with HOPE - hitting theaters next summer!

More at irishfilmtv.com.

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Hollywood heavyweights Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander as... otherworldly beings? 👀 Na Hong-jin is BACK! After 10 years since THE WAILING left us speechless, the master of psychological horror returns with HOPE - hitting theaters next summer! More at irishfilmtv.com.

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🎬 From "I will find you" to "I will make you laugh" - Liam Neeson is trading his particular set of skills for punchlines in THE NAKED GUN!

Is this Neeson`s Leslie Nielsen moment? Could we be witnessing the birth of comedy`s newest unlikely hero?

More at irishfilmtv.com.

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🎬 From "I will find you" to "I will make you laugh" - Liam Neeson is trading his particular set of skills for punchlines in THE NAKED GUN! Is this Neeson's Leslie Nielsen moment? Could we be witnessing the birth of comedy's newest unlikely hero? More at irishfilmtv.com.

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Andrew Scott`s BLUE MOON trailer released!

Shot in Ireland, this Richard Linklater gem pairs Scott with Ethan Hawke for a 1943 Broadway drama that`s already being called a masterpiece. Scott plays composer Richard Rodgers in what critics are calling his most nuanced performance yet 🎵

Watch trailer at irishfilmtv.com.

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Andrew Scott's BLUE MOON trailer released! Shot in Ireland, this Richard Linklater gem pairs Scott with Ethan Hawke for a 1943 Broadway drama that's already being called a masterpiece. Scott plays composer Richard Rodgers in what critics are calling his most nuanced performance yet 🎵 Watch trailer at irishfilmtv.com.

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🎩✨ Daryl McCormack is trading modern drama for Regency romance! The GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE star has officially joined Netflix`s PRIDE AND PREJUDICE adaptation as the charming Mr. Bingley 💕

From intimate character studies to Jane Austen`s ballrooms - this Irish talent continues to prove his incredible range! He`ll be swooning alongside Emma Corrin, Jack Lowden, and Olivia Colman in what promises to be THE period drama event of 2025 👑

More at irishfilmtv.com.

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🎩✨ Daryl McCormack is trading modern drama for Regency romance! The GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE star has officially joined Netflix's PRIDE AND PREJUDICE adaptation as the charming Mr. Bingley 💕 From intimate character studies to Jane Austen's ballrooms - this Irish talent continues to prove his incredible range! He'll be swooning alongside Emma Corrin, Jack Lowden, and Olivia Colman in what promises to be THE period drama event of 2025 👑 More at irishfilmtv.com.

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🔥 @sarahbolger is bringing Irish fire to Hell`s Kitchen! 🔥

The MAYANS MC star just landed a killer role in MGM+`s THE WESTIES - a gritty crime series about NYC`s most notorious Irish gang.

More at irishfilmtv.com.

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🔥 @sarahbolger is bringing Irish fire to Hell's Kitchen! 🔥 The MAYANS MC star just landed a killer role in MGM+'s THE WESTIES - a gritty crime series about NYC's most notorious Irish gang. More at irishfilmtv.com.

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Irish Theatre

Gleeson returns to stage in THE WEIR

Brendan Gleeson in THE WEIR

Brendan Gleeson in THE WEIR

In a momentous theatrical event, acclaimed actor Brendan Gleeson is set to make his triumphant return to the stage after a decade-long absence in Conor McPherson’s haunting masterpiece THE WEIR. This special production marks several significant milestones as McPherson directs his own work for the first time since writing it nearly thirty years ago, while Gleeson, whose recent screen performances in THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN and IN BRUGES have cemented his status as one of Ireland’s greatest acting talents, will make his West End debut.

The announcement from Landmark Productions and Kate Horton Productions has already created tremendous anticipation among theatre enthusiasts. Gleeson, whose last stage appearance was in THE WALWORTH FARCE at Dublin’s 3Olympia Theatre in 2015, will return to that same venue where he began his career, performing from August 8 to September 6 before transferring to London’s Harold Pinter Theatre for a run extending to December 2025. “Conor McPherson’s THE WEIR is one of the rarest plays around,” Gleeson remarked, expressing his excitement about returning to the stage and making his West End debut.

McPherson himself shared his disbelief that thirty years have passed since writing the play, calling it “an absolute honour” to bring it to life again with “one of the great titans of Irish acting.” THE WEIR, a profound meditation on human connection, takes place on a stormy night in rural Ireland where four local men gather in an isolated pub. Their usual banter is disrupted by the arrival of a woman named Valerie, leading them to share increasingly unsettling stories to impress her, unaware that she carries a deeply personal tale of her own that will shake them all.

The play stands as a testament to our fundamental need for connection, the possibility of finding hope in darkness, and the enduring power of storytelling. Kate Horton described being “spellbound” by the play at its Royal Court premiere and expressed joy at bringing together such titans of Irish and international theatre. Anne Clarke of Landmark Productions recalled the thrill of learning about the project, having previously worked with Gleeson on THE WALWORTH FARCE alongside his sons Brian and Domhnall.

This new production promises to be an extraordinary theatrical event, bringing together a legendary actor at the height of his powers with one of contemporary drama’s most moving and profound works, offering audiences in both Dublin and London a rare opportunity to witness theatrical magic in the making.

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Irish Theatre

Brendan Gleeson in SPIDER-MAN NOIR

Brendan Gleeson in SPIDER-MAN NOIR

Brendan Gleeson in SPIDER-MAN NOIR

The eagerly anticipated live-action Spider-Noir series starring Nicolas Cage has reportedly secured an early 2026 release window, according to Nexus Point News. While awaiting official confirmation, this timeline aligns with what’s known about the production schedule for this MGM+ exclusive that will later move to Prime Video.

The series marks Cage’s live-action debut as the character he memorably voiced in SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE, but it’s the involvement of Brendan Gleeson that particularly stands out among recent casting news. Gleeson, whose career has experienced a remarkable renaissance, joins an impressive ensemble alongside Cage, Lamorne Morris, and Lukas Haas.

Haas recently shared enthusiastic insights about working with both headliners, specifically praising Gleeson who plays his boss in the noir-styled adaptation. “Brendan Gleeson is amazing,” Haas revealed, highlighting the authentic film noir approach to production where even the playback monitors displayed the footage in atmospheric black and white with dramatic shadowing that transported the actors to the 1930s setting.

Gleeson’s involvement comes during a career-defining period that’s seen him deliver critically acclaimed performances in films like THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN, for which he received an Oscar nomination, followed by his chilling work in THE HOLDOVERS and scene-stealing supporting roles in JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX and KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON. His casting as a presumably gritty authority figure in Spider-Noir’s Depression-era New York continues this exceptional streak.

The series itself reimagines the character (originally introduced in Marvel Comics in 2009) as an aging private investigator in an alternate 1930s New York who returns to his superhero roots amid rising crime. Unlike the traditional Spider-Man origin, this Earth-90214 variant gained his abilities when bitten by a spider emerging from a mystical spider-god idol while investigating a smuggling operation.

Under showrunners Oren Uziel and Steve Lightfoot, the production appears committed to maintaining the distinctive noir aesthetic that defines this unique corner of the Spider-Verse, creating what promises to be a visually striking and tonally distinct entry in Marvel’s expanding multiverse of storytelling approaches.

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Irish Film

FAREWELL TO HUGHES’S airs Dec 29

FAREWELL TO HUGHES'S airs Dec 29

FAREWELL TO HUGHES'S airs Dec 29

On December 29th at 20:30, TG4 will premiere BRENDAN GLEESON’S FAREWELL TO HUGHES’S, a deeply personal documentary celebrating the iconic Dublin pub that profoundly shaped traditional Irish music.

Hughes’s was more than just a neighborhood establishment—it was a cultural landmark. For over 35 years, the pub served as a vibrant hub for musicians, dancers, and music enthusiasts, creating an unparalleled sanctuary for traditional Irish musical expression. Oscar-nominated actor Brendan Gleeson, who frequently performed at Hughes’s, brings an intimate perspective to this tribute.

After the pub’s closure in 2021 following the passing of its beloved owner, Gleeson embarked on a heartfelt project to preserve its legacy. The documentary weaves together a rich tapestry of personal stories, capturing the essence of Hughes’s through interviews with musicians, dancers, and loyal patrons. It offers a profound exploration of the pub’s significant contribution to Ireland’s musical heritage.

The film is a collaborative labor of love, directed and produced by acclaimed filmmaker and fiddle player Ciarán Ó Maonaigh. Gleeson serves as executive producer alongside Liam O’Connor, with exceptional cinematography by Ray Mac Donnacha and a compelling sound mix by Brendan Rehill.

Following successful screenings at the Dublin International Film Festival and select cinemas in Dublin and Galway, BRENDAN GLEESON’S FAREWELL TO HUGHES’S will now reach a nationwide audience through TG4, ensuring the pub’s remarkable story continues to inspire and resonate with viewers.

 

Irish Television

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GLEESON in JOKER: FOLIE Á DEUX

Brendan Gleeson in JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX

Brendan Gleeson in JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX

THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN legend will be back on the big screen in JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX on Oct 4. The sequel will be focusing on the love story between Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, or Arthur Fleck, and now Lady Gaga’s portrayal of the iconic character, Harley Quinn. The film premiered at the 81st Venice Film Festival on September 4, receiving a 12 minutes standing ovation.

Read More

More Brendan Gleeson

Brendan Gleeson's FAREWELL TO HUGHES’S
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Brendan Gleeson's Top 10

Irish Film

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Gleeson joins SPIDER-NOIR cast

Brendan Gleeson

Brendan Gleeson

THE BANSHEES OF ENISHERIN star Brendan Gleeson has joined the cast of Prime Video’s SPIDER-NOIR. Gleeson joins Nicholas Cage as the title hero, who “tells the story of an aging and down-on-his-luck private investigator (Cage) in 1930s New York, who is forced to grapple with his past life as the city’s one and only superhero.” This marks one of Gleeson’s first announced project since his Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated turn in THE BANSHEES OF ENISHERIN.

Read More

Irish Television

Brendan Gleeson in THE JOKER 2

Brendan Gleeson

Eagle-eyed fans have caught BANSHEES OF INISHERIN star Brendan Gleeson in the new trailer for THE JOKER: FOLIE A DEUX. The official trailer for the upcoming filming, in which Lady Gaga stars opposite Joaquin, debuted at ComicCon in Las Vegas earlier this week. Gleeson is heard hollering ‘Wakey, wakey!’ in the opening scene of the trailer, suggesting he’ll portray a guard in Arkham Asylum where Joker and Harley Quinn are housed.

Watch Trailer

Irish Film

Brendan Gleeson’s FAREWELL TO HUGHES’S

Brendan Gleeson

BRENDAN GLEESON’S FAREWELL TO HUGHES’S documents a poignant reunion of musicians, dancers, and singers at the now-closed venue. Filmed over five days in January 2022, the documentary interweaves interviews with archival footage, capturing the essence and impact of Hughes’s Pub on Dublin’s traditional music scene and its cultural heritage. To some it was an unassuming pub on a side street in Dublin’s city centre. To musicians, dancers, singers and listeners, Hughes’s was a mecca of traditional Irish music for more than 35 years. After it closes its doors for the final time, actor  returns to it to commemorate its invaluable legacy.

Watch Trailer

Irish Film

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