AceShowbiz - Barry Keoghan, a familiar face at Cannes, is contemplating a future behind the camera as a director. The 33-year-old actor shared with The Hollywood Reporter his enthusiasm for this possibility, joking that much of his time as a director would likely be spent helping others understand his Irish accent. “Believe me, I’m talking slow,” he said, highlighting the charm of his distinct voice.

Currently juggling filming duties on Sam Mendes’ much-anticipated Beatles biopic—a sprawling four-film project slated for 2028—Keoghan made time to discuss his latest film, Butterfly Jam, directed by Kantemir Balagov. This film marks a milestone as the first project from Keoghan’s own production company, Wolfcub Productions, to premiere at Cannes. His previous Cannes appearances include Andrea Arnold’s Bird in 2024 and his festival debut with Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Killing of a Sacred Deer in 2017.

Keoghan described a certain “animal thing” that connects him to Cannes, underscoring the recurring presence of significant films throughout his career at the festival. Since his breakthrough in The Killing of a Sacred Deer, his rise has been remarkable, with a portfolio spanning the Marvel Universe in Eternals, HBO’s Chernobyl, and Martin McDonagh’s The Banshees of Inisherin. His collaborations extend to acclaimed directors and A-list co-stars in films such as Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn, and most recently Cillian Murphy’s final Peaky Blinders project, The Immortal Man.

Despite the commercial success, Keoghan remains committed to maintaining a diverse slate of projects. He expressed a desire to work with emerging arthouse directors and European filmmakers, stating, “Along with making commercial movies, [I want] to make movies with directors who have one or two movies behind them. I’m always trying to find that balance and not stay in one lane.”

His connection with Balagov began after Beanpole, Balagov’s prize-winning debut. Keoghan reached out to the Russian filmmaker to express interest in collaborating, a conversation that eventually led to Butterfly Jam. The film is set to premiere in the Directors’ Fortnight section at Cannes and follows the story of a 16-year-old Circassian-American boy, Talha Akdogan’s character Pyteh, living in New Jersey. The historical context involves the Circassian community, displaced by the 18th-century Russian Empire invasion, with Pyteh’s family running a diner specializing in traditional Circassian cuisine.

Keoghan plays Pyteh’s father, navigating the challenges of balancing a struggling family business with raising a son who aspires to become a wrestler. His sister, portrayed by Riley Keough, adds to the film’s exploration of community and familial ties. Keoghan described the film as a “community movie” with the signature emotional depth expected from Balagov’s work.

Discussing the sensitive portrayal of the Circassian culture, Keoghan acknowledged the importance of authenticity. “It’s very, very specific, and you don’t want to rock in and half-attempt it,” he said. He felt reassured that the film preserved the community’s spirit, even if some artistic liberties were taken.

Working alongside newcomer Talha Akdogan was a rewarding experience for Keoghan. He likened his role as a mentor to how Colin Farrell and Cillian Murphy had supported him early in his career. He praised Akdogan’s dedication and growth throughout the shoot.

The project also resonated with Keoghan on a personal level, particularly in relation to fatherhood. He reflected on his own upbringing, which included time in foster care, and his experiences as a father to his son, Brando, born in 2022. “It’s OK to be you as a dad, and I’ve learned that by being me. This is how I do it, and this is how I show love,” he shared candidly.

When asked about his interest in directing, Keoghan expressed excitement but tempered expectations with humor about the challenges of communicating his vision due to his accent. Nonetheless, the actor is eager to expand his creative reach beyond acting and producing.

Looking ahead, Keoghan is enthusiastic about introducing audiences to Butterfly Jam and continuing to support first-time writers, directors, and unique projects through Wolfcub Productions. He is equally excited about his upcoming role portraying Sir Ringo Starr in Sam Mendes’ Beatles biopic series, hinting, “I can’t wait for people to see it.”

Through a varied career path that balances commercial blockbusters with intimate, culturally rich narratives, Barry Keoghan demonstrates a commitment to exploring diverse stories and voices. His Cannes return with Butterfly Jam reinforces his place as a distinctive talent willing to take creative risks while navigating the complexities of personal and professional growth.