For more than two decades, Domhnall Gleeson has carved out one of the most diverse and compelling careers in contemporary cinema. The Irish actor has moved seamlessly between fantasy blockbusters and intimate character studies, between comedy and horror, between the familiar warmth of time-traveling romance and the cold brutality of frontier survival. In a recent episode of “For the Record,” Gleeson opened up about the experiences that have defined his journey, from the magic of the HARRY POTTER set to the punishing shoot of THE REVENANT, offering rare glimpses into what it takes to inhabit such wildly different worlds.
Then came STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, and with it, General Hux, a character that would become one of the sequel trilogy’s most memorable antagonists. Gleeson brought a seething intensity to the First Order’s fanatical young general, a true believer in authoritarianism whose barely controlled rage made him both ridiculous and genuinely threatening. His delivery of Hux’s Nuremberg-style rally speech remains one of the trilogy’s most chilling moments, a reminder that evil often announces itself with theatrical conviction. The role required him to embrace villainy without camp, to find the human pettiness and ambition beneath the Nazi-inspired uniform, and he did so with magnetic commitment across multiple films.
Perhaps his most physically demanding role came with THE REVENANT, where he joined Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, and director Alejandro González Iñárritu in one of the most grueling productions in recent film history. Shot in brutal natural conditions using only natural light, the film tested everyone involved, and Gleeson has been candid about the challenges of working in freezing temperatures, the endless takes, and the uncompromising vision that drove Iñárritu’s approach. Playing Captain Andrew Henry, the pragmatic leader trying to guide his men through a hostile wilderness while navigating the moral complexities of frontier justice, Gleeson held his own alongside some of cinema’s most intense performers. The film’s commitment to authenticity meant real cold, real exhaustion, real discomfort, all in service of creating something visceral and unforgettable.
In recent years, Gleeson has continued to demonstrate his versatility across both television and film. His turn as Sam Fortner, a serial killer, in the FX psychological thriller series THE PATIENT opposite Steve Carell earned him Golden Globe and Critics Choice nominations, showcasing his ability to inhabit deeply disturbing characters with nuance and complexity. He followed that with a portrayal of John Dean in the satirical political miniseries WHITE HOUSE PLUMBERS, bringing his talents to the realm of historical drama and political satire.
At 75, Gabriel Byrne remains one of Ireland`s most powerful voices—both on screen and off.
Fresh from Cork`s International Film Festival and 30 years since THE USUAL SUSPECTS, the legendary actor sat down on THE LATE LATE SHOW to deliver something extraordinary: a rallying cry for Irish culture itself.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
From GLADIATOR II`s arena to the quiet forests of Maine collecting folk songs on wax cylinders—Paul Mescal`s latest role in THE HISTORY OF SOUND might be his most vulnerable yet.
Now on @amazonprime, the film follows Lionel, a shy musician from a Kentucky farm in the 1910s, who meets David White (Josh O`Connor) at the New England Conservatory.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
For more than two decades, Domhnall Gleeson has carved out one of the most diverse and compelling careers in contemporary cinema.
Watch Domhnall break down his career in his latest @esquire interview!
Link in bio ❤️
Adapted from Louise Kennedy`s bestselling novel, TRESPASSES stars Gillian Anderson as executive producer and cast member.
Kennedy praises the "ear-perfect, sexy script" and "gorgeously melancholic aesthetic vision" that brings her Women`s Prize-shortlisted novel to life.
Premieres Sunday 9pm on Channel 4, more at irishfilmtv.com.
THE IRIS AFFAIR is a high-stakes chase thriller that turns Italy into a deadly playground where genius meets danger.
Created by LUTHER mastermind Neil Cross, this Sky Original delivers cinematic tension where trust is fatal and every move could be your last. Two minds. One secret. No escape.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
** NEW TRAILER ALERT **
Roadside Attractions has unveiled the first trailer for H IS FOR HAWK, and it`s breathtaking. Brendan Gleeson appears as the father whose absence shapes everything, bringing his signature depth to a role that haunts the entire film.
Watch now at irishfilmtv.com.
🎬 HAMNET has officially overtaken Paul Thomas Anderson`s ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER as the Oscar frontrunner!
Chloé Zhao`s Shakespeare-inspired drama now leads with a 96.8% chance of nomination, fueled by its Telluride buzz and Toronto People`s Choice win.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
The DERRY GIRLS creator is back with HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN FROM BELFAST — and it`s the show Lisa McGee says she`s always wanted to make. 🍀
Three childhood friends. One mysterious death. A wake that goes sideways. Eight episodes of chaos, secrets, and arguments about eyelash extensions.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Pierce Brosnan trades his 007 tuxedo for raw, devastating drama in CURTAIN CALL—arriving on digital November 10.
Starring opposite Jessica Lange, Brosnan continues his brilliant pivot from action hero to serious character actor, exploring the heartbreaking reality of dementia in the theatre world.
Watch trailer on irishfilmtv.com.
Colin Farrell`s latest is dividing audiences, but everyone agrees on one thing: his performance is absolutely magnetic ✨
The Oscar-nominated Irish actor stars as Lord Doyle, a spiraling gambler in neon-soaked Macao searching for redemption.
Don`t miss Farrell at his destructive best, now on @netflix!
Daniel Day-Lewis is BACK and we`re not ready for how devastating ANEMONE is 😭
After 7 years away from the screen, Day-Lewis returns in this quiet Irish masterpiece directed by his son Ronan. It`s not a flashy comeback—it`s something far more powerful. A meditation on isolation, guilt, and the human connections we can`t outrun, no matter how far we go.
ANEMONE is now on Prime!
Barry Keoghan goes blonde and badass for CRIME 101! 🎬
The Irish star trades blows with Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo in this high-stakes crime thriller, playing Orman, a thief whose methods are as disturbing as they are effective. With Detective Lou Lubesnick (Ruffalo) closing in and rival criminal Davis (Hemsworth) in his way, this heist is about to get messy.
More at irishfilmtv.com.
When Colin Farrell had to choose between a guaranteed paycheck on a hit TV show and a one-in-a-million shot at Hollywood, everyone told him he was insane. His friends said don`t do it. His family couldn`t understand it. He did it anyway.
Now in BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER (in select UK/Ireland cinemas Oct 17, Netflix Oct 29), he plays a man who understands risk better than anyone. Because Farrell`s been there. He bet everything on himself when he had nothing, and that decision changed everything.
Sometimes the craziest move is the only one worth making. 🎬
More at irishfilmtv.com.
Andrew Scott`s hot streak continues 🔥
From the Hot Priest in FLEABAG to his heartbreaking turn in ALL OF US STRANGERS, he`s now bringing that signature intensity to BLUE MOON as composer Richard Rodgers.
The film hits theaters Friday, more at irishfilmtv.com.
Michael Fassbender is trading the big screen for Netflix royalty!
The Irish-German powerhouse is set to play Joe Kennedy Sr. in KENNEDY, an 8-episode drama diving deep into America`s most mythologized family. No release date yet, but with Fassbender leading, this one`s already on our watchlist. 👑
More at irishfilmtv.com.
