Belfast cast and character guide. Written and directed by Kenneth Branagh, Belfast is perhaps the most personal film for the longtime actor. The drama is semi autobiographical as it’s based on the memories from Branagh’s childhood, and is set during an especially tumultuous time period for his family and the eponymous Ireland city.
Belfast is set in 1969 and follows Buddy and his working class family at the start of The Troubles — an ethno-nationalist conflict in Northern Ireland that saw a sectarian split between the unionists (largely Protestants) and the nationalists (mostly Roman Catholics). Through the eyes of a nine-year-old Buddy, Belfast explores the beginning of the conflict (which lasted for three decades) and the simultaneous fear and joy during this time.
The cast of Belfast is made up of a talented group of actors, each playing characters that highlight their skills and talents. Here is who’s who in the cast, what other movies and TV shows they’ve starred in, and the descriptions of their characters in Branagh’s film.
Jude Hill As Buddy
Buddy is the main character in Belfast, a smart, precocious and genuine nine-year-old boy who is close with his family and has a major crush on one of the girls in his class. Buddy is played by newcomer Jude Hill, whose role in Belfast marks his feature film debut. The young actor has also starred in two shorts, Rian and Torn, and will next be seen in the 2022 TV series Magpie Murders.
Jamie Dornan As Pa
Pa is Buddy’s father, who commutes from Belfast to London to work as a joiner. He’s convinced that England is safer for his family following the start of The Troubles. Jamie Dornan rose to worldwide fame after starring as Christian Grey in Fifty Shades of Grey and its sequels, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed. Dornan is also notable for roles in the TV series Once Upon a Time and The Fall, where he played Paul Spector. Most recently, Dornan showed off some of his comedic timing skills in the off-kilter comedy Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar alongside Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo.
Caitríona Balfe As Ma
Ma is Buddy’s hardworking mother and Pa’s wife. She loves Belfast and is hesitant to move away. Caitríona Balfe is most famous for playing Claire Fraser in the Starz series Outlander. Balfe has also starred in Ford v Ferrari alongside Christian Bale, Super 8, Now You See Me, and the series H+ and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance.
Judi Dench As Granny
Granny is Buddy’s paternal grandmother, who loves her family very much and is always giving out solid advice. Judi Dench is no stranger to any moviegoer; the longtime actress has starred in several major hits, including Shakespeare in Love, Skyfall (and several other James Bond movies like Quantum of Solace and The World is Not Enough), J. Edgar, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Philomena, and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, to name a few.
Ciarián Hinds As Pop
Pop is Buddy’s paternal grandfather and the husband of Granny. Pop gives Buddy sage advice and helps him with his math. Ciarían Hinds is notable for starring in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Phantom of the Opera, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, Zack Snyder’s Justice League, First Man, Game of Thrones, First Man, and John Carter.
Belfast Supporting Cast & Characters
Colin Morgan as Billy Clanton - Billy Clanton is Pa’s adversary, a Protestant unionist who is trying to scare the Catholics out of the neighborhood. Colin Morgan is most notable for playing Merlin in the series of the same name. He has also starred in The Fall, The Huntsman: Winter’s War, and has guest starred in The Crown.
Lewis McAskie as Will - Will is Buddy’s brother and the eldest son in the family. Lewis McAskie has also starred in Here Before and had a guest starring role in the TV series Ted’s Top Ten.
Lara McDonnell as Moira - Moira is Buddy’s cousin who convinces him to get up to some mischief. Lara McDonnell has previously starred in Love, Rosie, The Delinquent Season, and Artemis Fowl.
Turlough Convery as Minister - Turlough Convery stars as Belfast’s Protestant minister. The actor starred in Ready Player One, Poldark, Killing Eve, and Saint Maude.
Olivia Tennant as Catherine - Catherine is a classmate of Buddy’s and the girl he has a crush on throughout Belfast. Branagh’s film marks Olivia Tennant’s feature film debut.
