From Soaps to Stardom: Aidan O’Callan’s Multifaceted Journey Through Film and Television
Aidan O’Callan has proven himself a formidable force in the world of acting, with a career spanning deeply complex roles, fantasy epics, and iconic soap operas. Fresh off the success of A Simple Killing—a gripping story of survival and human connection that has garnered acclaim at festivals like Waterford and Foyle—O’Callan reflects on the transformative experiences that have shaped his craft. Whether tackling the sensitive narrative of sexual consent in EastEnders or wielding an axe as a warrior elf in The Witcher: Blood Origin, his performances have captivated audiences and critics alike. With a passion for authenticity and a fearless approach to challenging roles, O’Callan continues to redefine his artistic journey, one project at a time.
SD – Congratulations on the success of A Simple Killing—winning at the Waterford International Film Festival and part of the Foyle Film Festival! Can you share how you prepared for the deeply complex role of Terry, and what drew you to this story about survival and unexpected human connections?
AOC – I was absolutely thrilled when the director Jason Branagan approached me with the script for “A Simple Killing.” I think what drew me in was the raw emotional landscape of Terry’s character. I had previously worked with the Jason before on Eastenders and we became great friends since then, so I was delighted to work together again. Working with Daphne Cheung and Claire Gavin was incredible – we spent hours discussing the nuanced dynamics of domestic abuse and survival. I remember one particularly intense discussion where questioned Terry’s psychological barriers, trying to understand the complex survival mechanisms at play and the mental loopholes people jump through to justify things. The night shoots were challenging but the adrenaline keeps you going – I love the camaraderie on set and the mechanics of it all. Being selected for prestigious film festivals like the BAFTA and OSCAR qualifying Foyle festival, after premiering at Californian Newport Film Festival was amazing – and winning both the judges and audience awards at the Waterford Film Festival – felt like validation for our collective hard work and the importance of the narrative we were sharing.
SD – Your performance as Lewis Butler in EastEnders tackled sensitive and critical issues surrounding sexual consent. What challenges did you face in portraying such a nuanced and impactful storyline, and how do you feel it resonated with viewers?
AOC – Portraying Lewis Butler in EastEnders was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my career so far. Tackling sensitive topics like sexual consent requires a thoughtful approach, and I think what helped was immersing myself in research to try and ensure an accurate portrayal while staying true to the narrative. I remember speaking with counsellors, charity and support groups to gain insights into these issues. Some of the stories I encountered were heart-breaking, and they stayed with me throughout the process. It made me realise just how important it was to handle this storyline with care and sensitivity. I normally like to be light and fun talking about my acting roles, but I knew when I got the role that this one would need to be tackled with a lot of care.
One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that Lewis wasn’t portrayed as a one-dimensional villain – I needed to try and make the viewers like him from the start. It was crucial to build a fully rounded character who felt real. I remember the show runner coming up to me and saying she loved what I was doing with the character, and they extended the storyline – that was a huge confidence boost! It also meant I had to dig even deeper into Lewis’s psyche, which was both exciting and daunting.
The response from viewers was overwhelming. Many people reached out to say how much the storyline resonated with them or opened conversations they hadn’t had before. I even received letters from survivors who felt the portrayal was authentic and so important. I get people coming up to me all the time still talking about the story. I love it. This industry is hard but when you hear that your work resonates with viewers it makes it all so worth it. Being involved in such a major storyline with the main Walford families created many opportunities afterward, keeping me busy with auditions and projects. I was super grateful for the platform EastEnders provided – it really opened doors for me in the industry. As difficult as it was to portray Lewis, I’m proud to have been part of a storyline that shed light on such an important issue and hopefully helped raise awareness about consent.
SD – Kareg in The Witcher: Blood Origin is a far cry from the grounded roles in your other work. What was it like stepping into a fantastical world with such a rich mythology, and how did you approach creating authenticity in a character within this genre?
Stepping into “The Witcher: Blood Origin” as Kareg Stoneheart was absolutely thrilling! Preparing for a fantasy role like this is a whole different ballgame—you’re not just playing a character; you’re stepping into an entire universe. I had weeks of preparation where I immersed myself in the rich lore, magical elements, and cultural nuances of the Witcher world.
Playing Kareg, a warrior of the Dog Clan and the older brother of Fjall Stoneheart, was an incredible experience. As the eldest son of the clan’s leader, Osfar, there were high expectations for him. I really had to dig deep to understand his fierce loyalty and dedication to protecting his kingdom. The scale of this production was mind-blowing; we’re talking about a massive universe with millions of viewers on Netflix.
One of my standout memories was working on this epic oceanfront battle scene. We’re knee-deep in a huge man-made pool, surrounded by fire and smoke and warriors. The adrenaline rush was like nothing else. Plus, playing a warrior elf was so much fun. When I found out my character’s weapon was going to be an axe, I was absolutely buzzing. There’s something primal about wielding a weapon in a fantasy world I think—it transforms you instantly.
The preparation also involved intense stunt training and getting used to prosthetics and elf ears, which added another layer to my character. I remember those early mornings in the makeup chair, getting fitted for the ears and Armor—it all helped me fully embody Kareg. It’s amazing how those little details can help you step into someone so different from yourself. I love it.
Experiences like these remind you why you got into acting in the first place! Being part of such an expansive Netflix fantasy world has opened so many opportunities for me and my team, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.
SD – In “The Reckoning of Erin Morrigan,” you star alongside the incredible Olwen Fouéré. How did collaborating with such a seasoned actor influence your performance, and what themes in the story resonated most deeply with you as an Irish actor?
AOC – In “The Reckoning of Erin Morrigan,” collaborating with the incredible Olwen Fouéré has been such a fun experience. I’ve admired her work for years, especially her role in “Texas Chainsaw Massacre.” On set, her talent brings out the best in everyone, and I felt so lucky to share the screen with her.
Being Irish adds a unique flavour when tackling stories rooted in our complex history. The themes of guilt and redemption resonate strongly within our cultural narrative, making this project feel personal. Plus, filming in the lashing rain and freezing cold added to the atmosphere. There were moments when we were laughing through the shivers, which made for some memorable scenes and running for rain cover between takes.
This film is packed with blood and sweat – literally I can’t wait to see how it all comes together on screen. I love Irish storytelling; there are so many fascinating tales yet to be told, and I’m excited to be part of this vibrant wave of Irish talent in Irish cinema.
SD – You’re the only Irish actor to have appeared in both EastEnders and Emmerdale. How has working on two of the UK’s most iconic soaps shaped you as a performer, and what did you take away from these experiences?
AOC – My time in EastEnders and Emmerdale was awesome. Being the first and only Irish actor to have appeared in both iconic British soaps is a huge honour, and I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences that shaped my craft and my journey. Working on these shows opened so many doors for me and taught me how to work efficiently under pressure I feel. Filming multiple episodes per week meant I had to memorise lines quickly and adapt to changes on the fly. I remember being in make up my second week and saying to the make-up artists ‘wow this soap life is intense’ as was pages of script and multiple new scenes and the make-up artist laughed saying ‘the newbies always say that, get ready for it!’
One of my favourite memories from EastEnders was filming a scene at Albert Square Market, where my character finds himself in a shouting match with another character. It was a pinch-me moment surrounded by a whole market full of people, and when I got punched, the energy was electric! It was such a rush to be fully immersed in that chaotic environment, and I couldn’t help but smile at how surreal it all felt.
These roles were incredible steppingstones that led to exciting opportunities in major productions like The Witcher on Netflix. The skills I developed in soaps—quick memorisation, adaptability, and the ability to connect with characters rapidly—have been invaluable as I tackle more complex roles. Each experience has shaped me and prepared me for the challenges
Photographer credit – Eddie Blagbrough
Styling – André DeVeaux
Grooming – Nadia Altinbas
