We Byrneholics are such an international group. Some of us are freezing our tushes off in icy winter weather while others are enjoying–or perhaps enduring is more appropriate–a long, hot summer. There are probably a few of us experiencing fall and/or spring as well, given how far-flung we are across this climate-tossed globe.

But no matter where we are or what the clime, it’s time for the Holidays!

This month’s Byrne-ing News brings you the news of the day plus some blasts from the past: reports on Gabriel’s projects, a new documentary airing at the New Year, a nice nod to Excalibur, a new Blu-ray out now, and Gabriel’s very first (I think?) television appearance in Ireland. And, in honor of the holidays, a new wallpaper or two. Sit somewhere comfortable, pour something nice, and catch up on Gabriel’s doings as we close out another action-packed year in the World of Byrneholics!

Coming Our Way in 2020

Four Gabriel Byrne Projects are on the way! Here’s an update so you can mark your calendars.

Lost Girls has its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival Tuesday, January 28, 2020. Director Liz Garbus and lead actor Amy Ryan are sure to be in attendance. What about Gabriel, you ask? No idea. But he might be there, so stay tuned. This Netflix film is set to screen sometime this year.

War of the Worlds is airing on various television channels around the world and will premiere in the United States (finally!) on premium channel EPIX February 16, 2020. Avoiding spoilers for this new series is not easy, but stay vigilant. The wait is almost over.

ZeroZeroZero had a very successful screening of its first two episodes at the Venice Film Festival this fall. It is due to air via Amazon Prime sometime in 2020, but there is no official date set so far.

Joe.ie has a new, brief, and very useful blurb about this new series.

And, best of all, Sky Atlantic just dropped a new trailer (the first one I found was in Italian, but this one’s in English) and the note at the end is “Coming Soon”–so let’s hope!

Original trailer disappeared, so here is this one from HD Trailers.

ZeroZeroZero follows the journey of a cocaine shipment, from the moment a powerful Italian cartel purchases it, to its packaging in Mexico and shipment across the Atlantic Ocean. Its journey is followed until reaching its final delivery and payment in Europe. An epic power struggle is sparked throughout the chain, from the local dealers to the most powerful boss in the hierarchy of international organised crime – their lives and livelihoods hang in the balance.

Death of a Ladies’ Man is in post-production and should be hitting screens later in 2020. This film, out of all of Gabriel’s projects, is probably the closest to our hearts as fans. The story outline is catnip for us and the cast looks amazing. Filmed in Canada and in Ireland, it is going to be a feast for the eyes–and the ears, too, with the inclusion of Leonard Cohen’s unforgettable music. Everyone who has worked on it seems delighted to have been involved with this project. So, waiting is hard. But wait we must. heart

Michael Hearn has an important role in Death of a Ladies’ Man. We tweeted each other briefly about the film:

And director Matt Bissonnette shared this wrap pic back in June, from Ireland:

Now we are even more excited to see this film, yes!?

New Richard Harris Documentary

Hot Press: A new documentary exploring Richard Harris’ fascinating life both on and off screen will be aired on TG4 on New Year’s Day at 9.30pm.

Actor, writer, director, singer, poet, sportsman and one of the most notorious hell-raisers of all time, Richard Harris lived a remarkable life. For the first time ever, his life will be explored and celebrated in a documentary, produced by Dearg Films, packed with stories that explore a larger-than-life character who lived his eccentric life to the full and left behind a body of work unrivalled by any other Irish actor.

Richard Harris was celebrated as much for his colourful life off screen, as for his many memorable roles on screen, and his was a life well lived. He made over 70 movies, won a Golden Globe and an award at Cannes for Best Actor.

Featuring exclusive interviews with some of Hollywood’s elite, including Clint Eastwood, Daniel Radcliffe, Robert Duvall, Ridley Scott, Jim Sheridan, Gabriel Byrne and Stephen Rea, this documentary explores Harris’ fascinating and colourful life both on and off screen.

The Best and Worst Arthur Movies

John Boorman’s Excalibur continues to outshine all who come after it. It is always a pleasure to see it receive the recognition it deserves.

Screen Rant: As a historical figure, there have been hundreds of different iterations of King Arthur & his adventures. Here are some best & worst movies about him.

5/10 Best: Excalibur (1981) – 79%

Excalibur has been praised for many things including its importance for the Irish film industry. After all, it helped launch the careers of such actors like Patrick Stewart, Liam Neeson, Ciaran Hinds, and Gabriel Byrne. Remarkable visually, it also features some great performances from its cast that elevate the story. The film was even nominated for Best Cinematography on the Academy Awards and got a nomination and a win at the Cannes Film Festival.

Shade on Blu-ray

Shade is a must-see for Gabriel fans, but I must admit that I might purchase this new blu-ray just to see the Cast and Crew Interview!

Kult Cinema: Shade (2003) Blu-ray: A thriller that lies, cheats, steals [This article is no longer available on the Internet]

MVD Rewind is releasing Director Damian Nieman’s Shade (2003) on Blu-ray. Stars Stuart Townsend, Gabriel Byrne, Thandie Newton.

The hand is quicker than the eye in L.A.’s underground gambling scene, hustlers get hustled and fortunes ride on every deal. Three small-time grifters devise a plan to beat the ultimate card mechanic – The Dean (Sylvester Stallone). But a seat at the Dean’s table doesn’t come cheap.

Sylvester Stallone (Rocky, Rambo), Melanie Griffith (Working Girl), Hal Holbrook (The Firm), Gabriel Byrne (Hereditary), Jamie Foxx (Collateral), Stuart Townsend (Queen of the Damned) and Thandie Newton (HBO’s Westworld) star in this stylish thriller where quick maneuvers and shady alliances keep you guessing until the last hand is revealed.

Special features

• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation of the main feature in its original 2.35:1 aspect ratio
• Audio Commentary with writer/director Damian Nieman and actor Stuart Townsend.
• The Making Of Shade featurette (SD, 8 min)
• Tricks Of The Trade featurette (SD, 14 min)
• Interviews with Cast and Crew including writer / director Damien Nieman and stars Sylvester Stallone, Stuart Townsend, Thandie Newton, Gabriel Byrne, Jamie Foxx, Melanie Griffith (SD, 18 min)
• Theatrical Trailer (SD)
• Subtitles: English and French
• Soundtrack(s): English 5.1 Surround & Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1

Pat Barry Comes to Town

RTÉ Archives started the holidays early with this little gift:

Head over to their website to watch this short scene: Gabriel’s debut as Pat Barry in The Riordans in 1978. It would not be long until he was playing Pat in his own series, Bracken.

Holiday Byrne for Your Desktop

A posting about Little Women, the 1994 version, is in the works, and there will be a holiday posting as well. Meanwhile, I hope you are enjoying this “holiday of your choice” season and, wherever you are and in whatever weather you find yourself, you are having a Byrne-ing good time! heart