rewrite this title Cillian Murphy-Led ‘Steve’ Sets Fall Theatrical & Netflix Release; Supporting Cast Includes Tracey Ullman, Simbi Ajikawo, Emily Watson – First-Look Photo

Oscar winner Cillian Murphy’s next feature, Steve, will receive a theatrical release in select cinemas in September before dropping on Netflix on October 3. We’ve got a first-look image of Murphy in the eponymous role – scroll down to check it out. 

Murphy also produces the reform school drama under his Big Things Films banner with partner Alan Moloney, and in collaboration with Netflix which handles global distribution. The release dates could point to fall film festival play.

Directed by Tim Mielants, Steve is a reimagining of Max Porter’s novel Shy, and also stars the previously announced Jay Lycurgo. Supporting cast revealed today are Emmy and Golden Globe winner Tracey Ullman, Top Boy’s Simbi Ajikawo (aka Little Simz) and BAFTA winner and Oscar nominee Emily Watson. Mielants recently helmed Netflix’s Murphy-starrer Small Things Like These in which Watson featured.

Set in the mid-1990s, Steve follows a pivotal day in the life of the titular headteacher and his students at a last-chance reform school amidst a world that has forsaken them. As Steve fights to protect the school’s integrity and impending closure, he grapples with his own mental health. In parallel to Steve’s struggles, troubled teen Shy (Lycurgo) is caught between his past and what lies ahead as he tries to reconcile his inner fragility with his impulse for self-destruction and violence. 

Additional cast members include 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. 

Tina Pawlik also produces. Porter wrote the screenplay and exec produces. Music is by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow.

Here’s Murphy as Steve: