Keoghan’s Long-Teased Role Finally Confirmed

Barry Keoghan Steps into the Mad Hatter’s Shoes for New Film ‘Mad’

Irish actor Barry Keoghan has carved out an impressive niche in Hollywood over the past decade, but it’s in recent years that his career has truly skyrocketed. From the cosmic realms of Marvel to the gritty streets of Gotham and the darkly comedic worlds of independent cinema, Keoghan has consistently delivered compelling performances. Now, the 33-year-old star is set to tackle one of literature’s most eccentric and iconic characters: the Mad Hatter.

Keoghan’s ascent to prominence has been a rapid one. While he’s been a consistent presence on screen for over 15 years, it’s since 2021 that he’s been a fixture in critically acclaimed and popular projects. His turn in Marvel’s Eternals marked a significant step, propelling him into the global spotlight. This was swiftly followed by appearances in major releases such as The Batman, the Oscar-nominated The Banshees of Inisherin, and the provocative Saltburn. More recently, he joined the ranks of Peaky Blinders, portraying Tommy Shelby’s son in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, a project that further showcased his versatility.

However, the latest news is sure to have fans buzzing. After years of subtle hints and playful teases, Keoghan has officially confirmed his next major role. He is slated to embody the Mad Hatter in a new film set within the Alice in Wonderland universe. Speaking on Heart Radio, Keoghan revealed that the project, titled simply ‘Mad’, will focus on the enigmatic character himself. The radio host, Amanda Holden, expressed her enthusiasm, noting that she could easily envision Keoghan in the role.

The confirmation comes as a welcome development for many, given Keoghan’s history of subtly dropping hints about potential projects. His distinctive take on the Mad Hatter persona was even on full display at the 2024 Met Gala, where his attire seemed to be a direct nod to the character, fuelling speculation long before the official announcement.

The Mad Hatter is a role with a rich cinematic history, most notably brought to life by Johnny Depp in Tim Burton’s 2010 live-action adaptation of Alice in Wonderland and its 2016 sequel, Alice Through the Looking Glass. Keoghan now faces the challenge of bringing his own unique interpretation to this beloved, albeit unhinged, character.

While details surrounding the plot and production of ‘Mad’ remain scarce, there have been some intriguing connections reported. As far back as 2025, BBC reports indicated a potential link between Keoghan’s then-ex-girlfriend, Sabrina Carpenter, and the production. Further reports from Variety in November 2025 suggested that Carpenter was set to star in her own major studio musical film, also inspired by Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This musical project was slated to be written and directed by Lorene Scafaria.

The potential for overlapping or interconnected projects within the Alice in Wonderland narrative adds another layer of intrigue to Keoghan’s casting. Whether ‘Mad’ will exist in the same universe as Carpenter’s reported musical or stand as a separate entity remains to be seen. However, the prospect of seeing Keoghan delve into the mind of the Mad Hatter is enough to generate considerable anticipation. His track record of transforming into complex and memorable characters suggests that his portrayal of this iconic figure will be one to watch.

Keoghan’s career trajectory demonstrates a keen eye for selecting projects that allow him to showcase his dramatic range and distinctive presence. From the unsettling intensity he brought to Saltburn to the quiet desperation in The Banshees of Inisherin, he has proven his ability to inhabit characters with depth and nuance. The Mad Hatter, with his chaotic energy and unpredictable nature, presents a perfect canvas for Keoghan to explore new dimensions of his talent. The film ‘Mad’ promises to be a significant addition to his already impressive filmography, and fans will undoubtedly be eagerly awaiting further announcements about this captivating new venture.