Taylor Swift Video: Domhnall Gleeson, Cillian Murphy & Graham Norton Appear

Domhnall Gleeson, Cillian Murphy & Graham Norton Star in Taylor Swift’s “Opalite” Music Video

A visually rich new music video featuring Irish actors Domhnall Gleeson and Cillian Murphy, alongside talk show host Graham Norton, has been released by global pop superstar Taylor Swift. The video, for Swift’s song “Opalite,” debuted on Apple Music and Spotify on Friday, October 11th, and quickly ignited excitement among fans.

from Talk show Wish to Music Video Reality

The collaboration appears to have stemmed from a playful exchange during an October appearance by Swift, Gleeson, and murphy on The Graham norton Show. During the interview, Swift expressed her admiration for Gleeson’s performance in the sitcom The Paper, stating she “loved” the show. Murphy then jokingly remarked that the show was “worth watching for Domhnall’s dancing alone.” Gleeson, seemingly in jest, responded with a hopeful declaration: “I’m hoping to get into a Taylor Swift music video.” The singer’s visibly surprised reaction at the time foreshadowed the eventual collaboration.

Did you know?– Taylor Swift often incorporates personal experiences and inside jokes into her music and visuals. This video is no exception, directly referencing a lighthearted moment from a talk show appearance.

“Opalite” and The life Of A Showgirl

“Opalite” is the second single released from Swift’s latest album, The Life Of A Showgirl, which launched on October 3rd. Swift revealed the song was inspired by her fiancé, NFL player Travis Kelce, whose birthstone is opal. The nearly six-minute video,directed by Swift herself,casts her and Gleeson as “lonely woman” and “lonely man,” respectively,portraying a poignant narrative of connection.

Pro tip– Swift’s self-direction of “Opalite” is part of a growing trend. She has directed several of her recent music videos, showcasing her creative control over her artistic vision.

Irish talent Takes Center Stage

Beyond Gleeson and Murphy’s prominent roles, Norton appears in the video as a salesman, while Murphy is featured on billboards and provides voiceover narration. The video also incorporates clips from the aforementioned Graham Norton Show episode, including the memorable exchange between Swift, Gleeson, and Murphy. Other guests from that episode – actors Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith, and Scottish singer Lewis capaldi – also make appearances in the visual production.

Swift’s connection with Ireland extends beyond this latest collaboration; she brought her record-breaking Eras Tour to Dublin in June 2024, performing three sold-out concerts at the Aviva stadium. The inclusion of multiple Irish talents in “Opalite” underscores a growing creative synergy and further solidifies the country’s presence on the global entertainment stage.

Reader question– What do you think of Taylor Swift directing her own music videos? Does this add a new layer of authenticity to her work?