Colin Farrell has given fans a rare glimpse of his eldest son James, 23, who has Angelman syndrome, in the trailer for his upcoming HBO documentary, The Slightest Touch
Colin Farrell has given fans a rare glimpse of his eldest son James in a touching moment featured in the trailer for his upcoming documentary, The Slightest Touch.
The Irish actor, 50, shares James, 23, with his former girlfriend Kim Bordenave. James was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome as a toddler, a rare genetic condition that affects the nervous system and can cause developmental delays, difficulties with speech and movement, intellectual disabilities and seizures.
In a teaser released by HBO on Wednesday, October 28, Colin is seen sitting alongside his son during an interview. The pair share smiles and laughter before the proud dad wraps James in a warm embrace, holding him close as the cameras capture the sweet moment.
James’ brief appearance comes in the documentary, which follows Colin’s close friendship with Emma Fogarty, who has lived with another rare genetic condition, epidermolysis bullosa, since childhood.
The condition causes the skin to become extremely fragile and prone to blistering, sometimes after even minor friction or injury. Emma’s parents were reportedly told she might not survive beyond her first week, but she has since defied expectations.
To mark Emma’s 40th birthday, she and Colin set themselves the challenge of completing the Dublin Marathon together. The trailer shows the pair reflecting on their friendship, while Colin is also seen training for the race.
In an emotional moment, the actor helps Emma across the finishing stretch by pushing her wheelchair for the final four kilometres, with each kilometre representing a decade of her life.
Colin is also dad to 17-year-old Henry, whom he shares with former partner Alicja Bachleda-Curuś, his co-star in the film Ondine.
The actor has previously spoken candidly about raising James and why he decided to establish the Colin Farrell Foundation, which aims to support adult children with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Speaking to People in August 2024, Colin explained that he wanted his son to be treated with the kindness and respect he deserves.
“I want the world to be kind to James,” he said. “I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.”
He also highlighted the challenges families can face when children with intellectual disabilities reach adulthood, explaining that many of the support systems available during their school years can disappear once they turn 21.
“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” Colin said. He added that young adults should be able to take their place in society, but too often risk being left behind without the right support.
Colin acknowledged that speaking publicly about James’ life was a personal decision, explaining that he could not directly establish whether his son was comfortable with the attention.
However, he said he had made the decision based on his understanding of James and the kind of person he is.
The actor has also spoken with pride about the progress his son has made over the years, including learning to feed himself. “I’m proud of him every day, because I just think he’s magic,” he said.
The Slightest Touch is due to premiere on HBO on November 25.
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