Barry Keoghan is no stranger to playing roles that get people talking. From stirring performances in films where he’s portrayed characters with a sinister edge, Keoghan has rapidly become known for his memorable, if sometimes divisive, roles. However, the actor now seeks a new direction. Speaking on The Louis Theroux Podcast recently, the actor, known for his role in “Saltburn,” revealed that he’s eager to break away from these quirky characters. He wants to diversify, pursuing projects that highlight his range rather than confining him to the infamous “weird” characters fans have come to expect.
Like esteemed actors Daniel Day-Lewis and Christian Bale, Keoghan plans to be more selective with the roles he takes on. By carefully choosing his projects, he aims to develop a portfolio that reflects his versatility. “I’ve no need to rush in. I’ve started to understand that less is best, you know, people can get really tired of seeing your face… I’m trying to learn from that,” Keoghan commented, echoing a mindset that emphasizes quality over quantity in an industry that can quickly become oversaturated.
Despite Keoghan’s ambitions to show off his acting chops in varied roles, he faces a unique challenge that his predecessors might not have—that of social media scrutiny. Platforms like TikTok have given rise to a culture where users freely criticize appearances and public personas. Keoghan has noticed this firsthand, with some users critiquing his unique look, labeling it as “weird” or “evil.” Rather than being deterred, he sees it as a source of inspiration, drawing from these experiences to ground his performances in real emotion.
Upcoming projects show promise for Keoghan’s career beyond those internet memes. In the realm of cinema, he will feature alongside music star The Weeknd and actress Jenna Ortega in “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” an anticipated Netflix release. He is also set to appear in a “Peaky Blinders” movie, offering fans a chance to see him in roles that differ from the norm. These projects could serve as pivotal points in his evolving career narrative and test whether the shades of his past roles will fade as intended.
Closing Credits
As Barry Keoghan embeds himself further into the grand tapestry of the film industry, one thing remains clear: his journey is one of self-discovery and artistic exploration. While internet critiques may sting, Keoghan’s determination to harness both his past traumas and the harsh words of critics to enrich his craft is unyielding. His next moves, from future cinematic endeavors to perhaps surprising us with roles free from the shadows of his “weird” reputation, remain highly anticipated. With new projects on the horizon and his evolving strategy of role selection, we’ll see if this talented actor can craft a legacy as diverse and undisputedly impactful as he desires. Stay tuned for the next chapter in Keoghan’s career, as it promises intrigue, depth, and hopefully fewer viral facial critiques.