Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson is experiencing a notably busy period in his career, with several upcoming projects set to be released in the coming weeks. Speaking from London, Gleeson discussed his latest work, including the Scottish comedy "The Incomer," the second season of the American television series "The Paper," and Werner Herzog’s new film "Bucking Fastard," which is scheduled for screening at the Venice Film Festival.
Gleeson’s role in "The Incomer" sees him portraying a mainland bureaucrat tasked with evicting the last residents of a remote Scottish island, a story that mixes surreal comedy with themes of isolation and acceptance. Filmed on location at the northern tip of Scotland, the movie is directed by Louis Paxton and co-stars Gayle Rankin and Grant O’Rourke. The actor underwent a striking physical transformation for the role, sporting a perm maintained over several months to create what he describes as a "comedic silhouette."
In addition to his film work, Gleeson stars in "The Paper," a U.S. Office spin-off sitcom co-created by Greg Daniels, which takes a satirical yet empathetic look at the decline of local newspapers. The show centers on the effort to sustain an Ohio daily newspaper that functions as a secondary business to a toilet paper manufacturer. Gleeson’s character is depicted as an idealistic editor trying to uphold journalism’s values amid industry challenges. To prepare, he shadowed journalists at various Ohio newsrooms, gaining insight into the pressures confronting the profession today.
Perhaps the most unexpected highlight of Gleeson’s recent work is his starring role in the music video for Taylor Swift’s song "Opalite," which Swift directed herself. The idea for the video arose after Gleeson appeared with Swift, along with other notable guests, on the Graham Norton Show. Gleeson plays a lonely man who forms a whimsical connection with Swift’s character, and their scenes include a coordinated dance sequence for which Gleeson prepared overnight. He credits Swift’s directorial approach in encouraging a natural, uninhibited performance, describing her instructions to "full send" the dance despite his admitted lack of experience.
While Gleeson maintains a sociable public persona, he is careful to protect his private life, declining to comment on his family and personal relationships. Married since 2023 to producer Juliette Bonass, he has publicly emphasized setting boundaries between his work and private affairs.
Gleeson’s versatility as an actor is widely noted. His career spans romantic leads, villains, real-life characters, and comedic roles across various genres including period dramas, science fiction, and family films. Although he was born in Ireland and retains a distinct Irish identity, Gleeson is praised for his accent work, inhabiting Scottish, English, and American roles convincingly.
His lineage carries a strong acting tradition; his father Brendan Gleeson and brother Brian Gleeson are also established actors. Domhnall has worked alongside both family members on multiple occasions, including films such as “Frank” and “Mother!” as well as stage productions. Reflecting on family collaborations, he acknowledges the challenges but frames them as opportunities for creative exchange rather than personal enjoyment.
Regarding his role in Herzog’s "Bucking Fastard," Gleeson describes a brief yet memorable shoot. He plays a social worker to twins, played by Kate and Rooney Mara, who share a deep, sometimes unsettling bond. The film draws inspiration from the true story of the Chaplin twins, noted for their unique court testimony that influenced the film’s title—a playful spoonerism.
Despite working with high-profile directors and actors throughout his career, Gleeson admits to occasional awe when meeting industry legends such as the Coen brothers and Paul Thomas Anderson. He credits modern technology for easing first encounters, notably with Herzog via Zoom.
Gleeson’s current body of work reflects a combination of eclectic roles and creative collaborations, underscoring a commitment to his craft amid a growing public profile.