IN CONVERSATION WITH DARYL MCCORMACK

interview by JANA LETONJA

Irish actor Daryl McCormack continues to prove himself one of the most magnetic and multidimensional talents of his generation. This year marks a milestone moment, he stars in Rian Johnson’s ‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’, debuting at TIFF before opening the London Film Festival and premiering globally on Netflix on 12th December. He’s just wrapped the Lionsgate thriller ‘Anniversary’ and the drama ‘I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning’, and it was just announced that he’ll be joining Netflix’s new adaptation of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ as Mr. Bingley.

‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ is one of the most anticipated films of the year. How did it feel joining Rian Johnson’s beloved ‘Knives Out’ universe?

Getting to join this Knives Out universe feels surreal. With every film, Ryan makes such a statement with the cast alone, and this film is no different. I’ve been a fan of many of this casts work for a long time, so to create something together feels special.

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The film has an incredible ensemble cast with Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Kerry Washington, and Glenn Close, among others. What was that collaborative energy like on set?

The main source of our collaborative energy, to me, was found in the moment we were waiting to go on set. We spent the main chunk of our time in the green room, and it was there that we really got to know each other. Ryan also scheduled a big group scene towards the beginning of the shoot, which made it really easy for us to assess the tone and be playful from the get go.

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The series is known for blending wit with social commentary. What did you most enjoy about exploring that tonal balance?

Ryan is a master at blending in social commentary into these films, without making it the main point of the film. Every character is human and has their own journey. I think that’s what makes it so fun. You have something very sincere to follow in your character’s arc, whilst knowing the movie as a whole is speaking into a conversation in society.

You’ve just been announced as Mr. Bingley in Netflix’s new ‘Pride and Prejudice’, written by Dolly Alderton. What drew you to this reinterpretation of such a beloved story?

Dolly’s adaption of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is remarkable. She’s an incredible writer first and foremost, but her sense of humour is what makes her a true delight. Her wit and intelligence makes this iteration sing, I think people are going to love it.

How do you approach playing a character as famously charming as Bingley while making him your own?

Be charming.

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You’ve built such a varied career, from thrillers to intimate character pieces and epic ensembles. How do you choose your projects?

I don’t have a particular formula, it’s just a sense I get from the script. If it gets me excited, I’ll most likely explore it. I never want to lose my joy in working.

Your performance in ‘Good Luck to You, Leo Grande’ earned you BAFTA nominations and widespread acclaim. How did that experience shape your outlook on acting and vulnerability?

I can’t really say, it was all completely unexpected to be honest. I think to this day, that project has been one of the most personal things I’ve done and maybe the most vulnerable I’ve felt on set. I don’t think I can equate vulnerability with success, but regardless of how well a film is received, I realised that you can never regret giving something at all. And Emma and I really gave everything into that film.

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Acting often demands both empathy and self-reflection. What has been the most transformative role for you personally?

Leo in ‘Goodluck to You Leo Grande’.

You’ve been recognised as a Screen International Star of Tomorrow and featured on Hollywood’s Next Gen lists. How do you stay grounded amid growing recognition?

You’re only as good as your last performance.

Looking ahead to 2026, what kinds of stories, or creative challenges, are you most excited to explore next?

I'm not sure, I get to work with Tom Ford next which I’m really excited about. I can never predict what each year will bring, and I don’t think I’d want to anyway. That’s what makes it so fun.

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TEAM CREDITS:

talent DARYL MCCORMACK
photography and set design JACK ALEXANDER
styling HOLLY MACNAGHTEN at A-Frame Agency
hair and makeup STEFAN BERTIN at A-Frame Agency
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA