Oscar-nominated Irish actor Barry Keoghan is looking ahead to a new role with which he is hoping to tell the story of a very famous outlaw.
The Banshees of Inisherin actor has signalled his plans to play Billy the Kid, who was an outlaw and gunslinger from the American Old West, who had reportedly killed 21 men by the age of 21.
Dublin-born Keoghan, now 30, told Deadline that he hopes to "humanise" the previously told versions where Billy was only seen as "cool, calm and collected."
READ MORE - Man in his 40s dies in horror Mayo crash overnight
Billy the Kid, born Henry McCarthy, was born to parents with Irish heritage in New York City. The famous horse thief and outlaw was orphaned before reaching adulthood.
Keoghan hopes to tell this side of the story with the use of his own personal experience, having entered the foster system at 12 years old himself, after losing his mother to a drug overdose.
He said he understood the desperate choices that Billy took which led him to a life of crime.
Barry told the industry publication that he wants to step outside the legend that was built up by the papers and tackle the pressures Billy the Kid must have felt from those early days.
"He was running his whole life. I felt related to Billy in the sense of him being a mummy’s boy, but obviously, I took a different path, turning my circumstances into something positive rather than rebelling against them," he explained.
The film is due to be directed by Bart Layton, who worked with Keoghan on American Animals. Production is expected to start in 2024.
Barry, who is looking forward to next month's 95th Academy Awards, said he hopes this Billy the Kid role, which he first pitched in 2023, is one he is "remembered for."
READ NEXT:
Horror on motorway as Today FM presenter exposed to 'six willies' during trip
Boxers form guard of honour at funeral of youngest Galway pier tragedy victim
Irish Ryanair passengers warned to expect 'disruption' as airport workers strike
Exact date brutal Arctic blast could freeze Ireland after warmest day of year
'The Monk met IRA men out of fear for his family' - Rowan on secret meetings
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
