By EchoLive.ie,Rachel Lysaght

Copyright echolive

Cork’s Cillian Murphy is set to star in a new reimagining of Max Porter’s Shy, coming to cinema screens this weekend.

The Douglas native, starring as the production’s main character, Steve, in which the film draws its title, will play alongside cast members Tracey Ullman, Jay Lycurgo, and Simbi Ajikawo, otherwise known as Little Simz.

The film, directed by Tim Mielants and produced by Alan Moloney, Murphy, and Tina Pawlik, is a fresh take on the best-selling book, Shy by Max Porter, which follows the story of headteacher Steve and his students.

Set in the mid-90s, audiences will watch as Steve fights to protect the school’s integrity as the cast faces down the barrel of its impending closure.

Viewers will see Murphy bring life to the role of Steve in his quest to save the school as the character grapples with his own mental health challenges.

In parallel to Steve’s struggles, we meet Shy, played by Mr Lycurgo, a troubled teen caught between his past and what lies ahead as he tries to reconcile his inner fragility with his impulse for self-destruction and violence.

Other cast members joining Murphy include Emily Watson, Douggie McMeekin, Youssef Kerkour, Luke Ayres, Joshua J Parker, Araloyin Oshunremi, Tut Nyuot, Tom Moya, Ahmed Ismail, Joshua Barry, Archie Fisher, Ben Lloyd-Hughes, Priyanga Burford, George Fouracres, Marcus Garvey, Ruby Ashbourne-Serkis, and Roger Allam.

Following the European premiere of Steve, which took place in Cork’s Arc Cinema last Saturday, the film will be available for public viewing in select cinemas from Friday.

The production will later become available for streaming on Netflix from October 3.