Cillian Murphy confirms all our crushes by doing something hella wholesome for Irish film lovers

Cillian Murphy just can’t seem to stay out of the spotlight, and it’s not just because of his Oscar-winning performance in Oppenheimer—he’s back again, this time in a new chapter of his ongoing efforts to “save cinema.” After a career-defining 2023, where his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer was widely credited with reinvigorating the film industry, Murphy is now making headlines for a completely different reason: he’s preserving cinema itself.

Murphy, along with his wife, Yvonne McGuinness, has reportedly bought the iconic Phoenix Cinema in Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland. This legendary theater, which had to shut its doors in 2021 due to financial struggles, is getting a new lease on life, thanks to the couple’s investment. The Phoenix Cinema, which has been around for over 100 years, has seen some of the biggest stars in Hollywood grace its screenings, including Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. It even survived multiple reconstructions, including two major rebuilds after fires in 1921 and 1938. Unfortunately, it couldn’t withstand the financial turmoil of recent years, and it closed its doors—but now, Murphy and McGuinness are breathing new life into the venue.

In a statement to the Irish Independent, McGuinness explained their mission: “We want to open the doors again, expand the creative potential of the site, re-establishing its place in the cultural fabric of this unique town.” It’s a rare move for a celebrity couple, especially in an era where stars often lend their names to projects that don’t align with their personal values. In a time when celebrities sometimes get involved in ventures far removed from their talents—think Lady Gaga’s creative director role at Polaroid, which Kanye West famously questioned in a 2009 interview—it’s refreshing to see Murphy and McGuinness invest in something that directly impacts their community.

Murphy’s purchase follows in the footsteps of other filmmakers who have stepped in to save cinemas at risk of being lost. Quentin Tarantino, for example, saved the New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles from being redeveloped back in 2007. Since then, he’s not only kept the theater running but also taken on the role of programming films, ensuring that its cultural legacy remains intact.

In this case, Murphy’s move to save the Phoenix Cinema is as much about preserving a piece of history as it is about supporting the local community. As Murphy’s stature in the industry continues to rise, he’s showing that he’s not just a leading man on screen—he’s becoming a key player in shaping the future of cinema itself. And if you’re a fan of his work, there’s good news: his next film is the highly anticipated 28 Years Later, and if the timing works out, it could have its screening debut at the Phoenix Cinema. While the theater is still under construction and there’s no rush to reopen, fans can rest easy knowing that, when it does, it will have a personal touch from Murphy and McGuinness.

So, whether you’re a fan of Oppenheimer, 28 Days Later, or just love the magic of the movies, this is one story worth cheering for. Cillian Murphy and Yvonne McGuinness are giving cinema a much-needed revival, and for that, we’re all grateful. Take your time with the renovations, Cillian and Yvonne—good things really do come to those who wait.