Colm Meaney cast as Ian Bailey in true-crime film about Sophie Toscan du Plantier murder

Colm Meaney and Aidan Gillen will join the cast of a true-crime drama film about the Sophie Toscan du Plantier murder.

Six-time Oscar nominee and IFTA Lifetime Achievement Award winner Jim Sheridan will co-direct the upcoming true crime drama with David Merriman, titled 'Re-creation'.

Two-time IFTA winner Colm Meaney is best known by Irish film fans for his starring role in the cult-classic Barrytown film trilogy ('The Commitments', 'The Snapper', 'The Van'). The actor also received international acclaim for his role as Star Trek’s Chief Miles O’Brien in 'Star Trek: Deep Space Nine' and 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'.

Vicky Krieps, star of Oscar-nominated 'Phantom Thread', is set to star alongside the Irish actors.

“Re-creation” will look back at one of the most famous murders in Irish history.

On December 20, 1996, Sophie Toscan du Plantier, a successful film and TV producer, was killed while on holiday at her holiday home near Toormore, Goleen, County Cork.

Initial investigations yielded no evidence or leads, yet Ian Bailey, a local resident and British journalist, was accused of the crime. The court of public opinion shifted as a speculative narrative began to form around the case.

Director Jim Sheridan has previously covered the same subject matter in his documentary series, Murder at the Cottage.

The film will blend documentary and drama elements, with the documentary sections of the production shooting in Ireland, France and the US, and the drama sections of the film shooting on a sound stage in Luxembourg.

The production is supported by Screen Ireland, Film Fund Luxembourg, and Eurimages.

“I am delighted to have two icons of Irish cinema join the cast,” said Sheridan on the casting of Meaney and Gillen.

“Colm and Aidan both have starred in some of my favourite films and shows,” added co-writer and co-director David Merriman.

“As artists, they both elevate any project, and we are so grateful to have them onboard.”

'Re-creation' is expected to receive a theatrical release later this year.