Barry Keoghan, the acclaimed Irish actor, has openly shared his aspirations to become part of the James Bond universe, but with a twist. Rather than stepping into the shoes of the legendary spy himself, Keoghan revealed that he is more intrigued by the prospect of portraying one of the franchise’s iconic villains. This candid admission came during his promotional tour for the upcoming film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, where he appeared alongside Cillian Murphy, reigniting conversations about his potential future within the 007 saga.
During an interview, when asked about the possibility of playing James Bond, Keoghan was quick to clarify that the role of the hero does not particularly appeal to him. He emphasized the complexity and specific demands of embodying Bond, suggesting that the villainous characters offer a more exciting challenge. “I don’t think I’d play Bond,” he stated. “It’s such a role that requires you to know certain things… I’d like to come in and do the villain.” This perspective highlights his interest in exploring the darker, more nuanced side of the franchise’s storytelling.
The timing of Keoghan’s remarks has added fuel to the speculation surrounding his involvement in the next James Bond installment. Notably, Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, is currently penning the script for the upcoming Bond film. This connection has led many to wonder if Knight might bring trusted collaborators like Keoghan into the fold, potentially casting him as the next memorable antagonist. The chemistry between Knight’s writing and Keoghan’s acting style could offer a fresh dynamic to the long-running spy series.
Adding a lighthearted moment to the discussion, Cillian Murphy joked that Keoghan’s comments would make for an eye-catching headline. Their camaraderie was evident as they promoted Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, a film continuation of the beloved crime drama series. Murphy also shared an interesting anecdote about personally inviting Keoghan to join the project. He recounted sending Keoghan a Father’s Day message, asking if he would be interested in playing his son in the film. Murphy praised Keoghan’s talent and intensity, calling him the perfect choice for the role. The two actors first worked together on the war epic Dunkirk and have maintained a strong professional relationship ever since.
Turning back to the Peaky Blinders universe, Murphy reflected on the transition from the television series to the big screen. The film aims to continue the central themes of family and loyalty that resonated deeply with fans throughout the show’s six seasons. Although the series concluded on a somewhat ambiguous note, the creative team had always envisioned expanding the story into a feature film, offering a meaningful extension for its dedicated audience.
For those eager to watch, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is currently showing in select cinemas and is scheduled to begin streaming on Netflix starting March 20. This release marks an exciting new chapter for fans of the franchise and may well serve as a stepping stone for Keoghan’s future roles, possibly even within the James Bond world.
