Daryl McCormack: Irish Actor Makes Waves in Rian Johnson’s Latest Knives Out Film

15 December 2025 Film and Television

Rising Star Takes Centre Stage

Daryl McCormack is an Irish actor who has been making significant strides in the entertainment industry. His latest venture brings him to Rian Johnson’s highly anticipated third installment of the Knives Out franchise, titled Wake Up Dead Man, set to premiere on Netflix on December 12. This marks a pivotal moment in the 32-year-old performer’s career, positioning him alongside Hollywood’s elite in one of the most anticipated mystery films of the year.

From Nenagh to Hollywood

McCormack was born on 22 January 1993 in Nenagh, County Tipperary. Trained at the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama and the Gaiety School of Acting, he made his acting debut in the soap opera Fair City (2015–2016). His breakthrough came with his portrayal of the title role in the sex comedy-drama Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022), which earned him a nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. In 2023, he won the Trophée Chopard from the Cannes Film Festival, further cementing his status as a rising talent.

Expanding His Creative Horizons

In Wake Up Dead Man, Daniel Craig reprises his role as the detective Benoit Blanc, and McCormack plays Cy, a former politician turned YouTuber. McCormack described Cy as someone who utilizes faith as a “vehicle to move forward into a place of influence and power”. Beyond acting, McCormack is eager to expand his creative horizons by exploring writing and producing. He is currently collaborating on a limited series focused on the journey of a young man grappling with societal expectations and personal aspirations.

Significance for the Future

McCormack appeared in Lee Isaac Chung’s Twisters in 2024, and in 2025 he had roles in the family thriller Anniversary and in Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man. His trajectory represents a new generation of talent breaking through to mainstream recognition. For audiences and industry observers, McCormack’s continued success signals the value of diverse storytelling and authentic performances. As he takes on increasingly high-profile projects, his work promises to bring fresh perspectives to cinema whilst maintaining the dedication and craft that has defined his career thus far.