Costa del Sol continues to attract major British and Irish film productions with its distinctive mix of atmosphere and scenery. Recent filmworld buzz is surrounding an ambitious adaptation that brings together some of the biggest names in cinema for a story rooted in the pages of a celebrated novel.
Star-studded cast heads to Costa del Sol
Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson and Ruth Negga will lead the cast of Night Boat to Tangier. Fassbender, known for powerful performances in films such as The Killer, 12 Years a Slave and Shame, and a three-time Oscar nominee, teams up again with Gleeson, whose credits include About Time, The Revenant and Peter Rabbit. Ruth Negga completes the trio of acclaimed Irish talent. Fassbender also serves as producer through his DMC Film banner.
Gritty tale of two Irish gangsters
Fassbender and Gleeson portray a pair of small-time Irish criminals with a long shared history of wrongdoing. The duo hides out in a Spanish port city (Malaga) as they await the next ferry to Tangier. During an apparently endless night vigil, the men exchange dark stories from their past, plot future schemes and encounter memorable local figures. The narrative is said to be a combination of sharp underworld banter with deeper psychological layers.
Adaptation from acclaimed novel
Kevin Barry wrote the original 2019 novel, a New York Times Top 10 title praised by its Spanish publisher Alpha Decay as a narrative triumph mixing raw crime fiction with psychological drama. Barry adapted the screenplay himself. Andrew Eaton of Turbine Studios produces the project and has described the script as his favourite he has ever handled. Eaton also highlighted the role as a perfect opportunity for Fassbender, saying audiences have not seen him at full intensity for some time.
Malaga location chosen for authentic feel
Production teams have scouted Malaga several times already. Eaton specifically praised the city for its “brilliant combination of sleaze and sun,” perfectly suiting the story’s tone. Filming is scheduled for late summer 2026 in the southern Spanish city, with additional elements possibly shot in Ireland.
Director update and production details
James Marsh, director of Man on Wire and The Theory of Everything, was originally part of this but has since stepped away. Producers now are now considering several Irish directors as potential replacements.
This project marks another high-profile shoot for the Costa del Sol, showing its appeal for international filmmakers seeking authentic Mediterranean backdrops with an edge.
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