Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy is returning to the screen in a powerful new role as a reform school headteacher in Steve, an upcoming Netflix adaptation of Max Porter’s 2023 novella Shy.
The film will explore themes of mental health, education, and redemption, with Murphy playing the complex lead character, Steve.
Set in the mid-1990s, the film reimagines Porter’s acclaimed work through a cinematic lens. According to Netflix’s synopsis, Steve unfolds over the course of a single, emotionally charged day in the life of its title character and the students under his care at a last-chance reform school.
Cillian Murphy’s character, Steve, grapples with both internal turmoil and external challenges in a system that seems to have abandoned both teachers and students alike. In parallel, the film follows Shy, a troubled teen portrayed by 27-year-old actor Jason Lycurgo, who is caught between his haunted past and uncertain future.
Shy struggles to balance his emotional fragility with a violent, self-destructive streak, making his connection with Steve all the more compelling.
Known for his intense, emotionally layered performances, Cillian Murphy brings added depth to the role, especially considering his real-life roots — both of his parents were educators. This personal connection is expected to bring authenticity and emotional nuance to his portrayal.
Though further production details and a release date remain undisclosed, Netflix has confirmed that the film is in development and will be a key part of its upcoming drama slate.
In addition to Steve, Cillian Murphy is also preparing to reprise his iconic role as Thomas Shelby in the long-anticipated Peaky Blinders feature film. With both projects in motion, the 49-year-old actor is set for another remarkable year on screen.
As anticipation builds, Steve promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the pressures faced by educators and vulnerable youth, anchored by a compelling performance from one of Hollywood’s most respected talents.