In a casting announcement that has sent shockwaves through both football and film circles, HBO has confirmed that Cillian Murphy — fresh off global acclaim for his role in Oppenheimer — will portray the legendary Sir Matt Busby in the upcoming biographical film “In Red We Rise.”

A devoted Manchester United supporter, Murphy said the role is “more than just a character — it’s an honour, a duty, and a story that shaped millions of lives, including mine.”

The film will chronicle Busby’s remarkable journey from Scottish footballer to one of the most visionary and beloved managers in football history. “In Red We Rise” promises to be a sweeping epic of resilience, tragedy, rebirth, and glory, capturing the essence of what Manchester United has meant to generations.

A Story Forged in Ashes and Glory

Directed by Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech, The Damned United), the film will trace Sir Matt’s life through key chapters:

• His early days as a player for Manchester City and Liverpool, and his appointment at United in 1945.

• The building of the Busby Babes — a youthful, revolutionary team that stunned English football with their pace and flair.

• The Munich Air Disaster of 1958, which claimed the lives of eight of his players and left Busby fighting for his life — and his spirit.

• His defiant return, and the emotional, redemptive journey to European Cup glory in 1968, making United the first English club to win the competition.

“In Red We Rise” — A Title with Purpose

The title of the film is a nod to the club’s journey through fire, pain, and eventual triumph. It represents the unbreakable bond between club and community, between memory and legacy. It’s the story of Manchester — and the man who gave it hope.

“Sir Matt Busby didn’t just rebuild a football club,” Murphy said. “He rebuilt hearts. He believed that from ruin, beauty could be born again — and he proved it.”

Backed by United and Built for the World

Produced in collaboration with the Manchester United Foundation and with the full support of the Busby family, the film promises emotional authenticity, historical detail, and a timeless message about faith, leadership, and the unshakable human spirit.

The screenplay, penned by Steven Knight (Peaky Blinders, Eastern Promises), will highlight both the grandeur of Old Trafford and the quiet, personal strength that defined Busby’s leadership.

“In Red We Rise” is slated for release on HBO and Max in 2026, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Busby’s most iconic team and the buildup to Manchester United’s 150th anniversary.