The cast of Belfast and where you've seen them before

Belfast is set to premiere in Northern Irish cinemas on January 21, so there’s no better time to get yourself acquainted with the cast.

From homegrown A-listers to complete newcomers, there’s a big variety to the cast.

Here’s a look at who stars in the film and where you’ve seen them before

Jamie Dornan

Holywood-born actor Jamie Dornan plays the role of ‘Pa’ in Belfast, a role for which he’s already received acclaim from critics and fans.

The actor became a household name throughout the world for his appearance as Christian Grey in the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy, starring alongside Dakota Johnson. Previous to that, he also starred in BBC crime thriller The Fall , opposite Gillian Anderson.

Throughout his career, he has starred in numerous films, such as 2016’s The Siege of Jadotville , 2018’s A Private War , 2019’s Synchronic , and the locally panned Irish romantic film Wild Mountain Thyme .

Caitríona Balfe

Formerly a fashion model, Caitríona Balfe has gone on to become one of Ireland’s most successful actresses in recent years. She has appeared in successful films such as Super 8 , Now You See Me , Escape Plan and Ford v. Ferrari.

However, she is perhaps best known for playing Claire Fraser on historical drama Outlander. Having played the role for six seasons now, she has received four Golden Globe nominations, and has won an Irish Film and TV Award for her performance.

Ciarán Hinds

Born in North Belfast, Ciarán Hinds has had a prolific career, which has seen him star in a number of major and minor roles, as characters who are both villainous and heroic.

He has played Mance Ryder in Game of Thrones , Gaius Julius Caesar in Rome , Aberforth Dumbledore in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 , Roy Bland in T inker Tailor Soldier Spy , Sam Daily in The Woman in Black , Jonjo’s Da in Mickybo and Me , and many other roles.

Ciarán has also lent his voice to roles in animated films, and voiced Grand Pabbie in Frozen and Frozen II .

Judi Dench

As one of the UK’s most well-known and revered actresses, Dame Judi Dench surely needs know introduction.

She has performed hundreds of roles throughout her life, spanning seven decades.

Some of her best known roles include playing M in 8 of the James Bond films, from Golden Eye up to Skyfall (with a cameo in Spectre ), Queen Elizabeth II in Shakespeare In Love , Queen Victoria in Mrs Brown , Barbara Covett in Notes On A Scandal and Philomena Lee in Philomena.

She is also noted for her collaborations with Belfast director Kenneth Branagh. Dench appeared in Branagh’s most recent films, including Artemis Fowl and Murder on the Orient Express, as well as most of his film adaptions of Shakespeare plays.

Jude Hill

Jude Hill was selected out of over 300 actors to play the leading role as Buddy in Belfast . Now 11, Jude has received acclaim for his role, promising a bright future down the line.

Aside from Belfast, he is set to appear in all six episodes of upcoming British drama, Magpie Murders.

Lewis McAskie

East Belfast actor Lewis McAskie plays Will in Belfast , the older brother of Buddy.

Aside from his appearance in the film, he appears in CITV programme Ted’s Top Ten, and appeared in 2021 British psychological film Here Before.

Lara McDonnell

18-year-old Dublin actress Lara McDonnell plays the role of Moira in Belfast , the cousin of Buddy.

She also appeared as Holly Short in Artemis Fowl (also directed by Branagh), and is set to appear in TV show Ballistic, alongside Dexter star Jennifer Carpenter.

Vanessa Ifediora

Belfast actress Vanessa Ifediora plays the role of Miss Lewis, Buddy’s teacher, in Belfast .

She has previously starred in Lisa McGee’s drama The Deceived, and in the Apple TV series Foundation. Vanessa is also a photographer, and her debut book, Off-White Sheets, was released in 2019.

Colin Morgan

Armagh actor Colin Morgan is perhaps best known for playing the title role of Merlin, in the BBC fantasy series of the same name.

He has also appeared in major British TV shows, including playing a leading role in Channel 4’s Humans , the main character in miniseries The Living and the Dead , and appearing in Netflix’s The Crown .