Bantry House had an interesting visitor roaming its halls recently, as a Hollywood star in a crazy disguise filmed a music video on the historic house grounds.
New Zealand actor KJ Apa put on his hilarious bobbed wig and fake teeth to get into the ‘Mr Fantasy’ character for his alter-ego’s funky new song Wayuwanna, which was released last night.
Mr Fantasy can be seen drinking a healthy pint of Guinness while lounging around the 18th century West Cork mansion, dressed in a black suit and tie – a change from his usual bright and wacky wardrobe.
It is only the ‘British’ singer’s second song, but he went all out for the music video, at one point even riding a white horse around the house’s lush grounds, before dancing through the property’s hedge maze as he lip syncs to his catchy lyrics “I can’t believe it / The way you wanna feel me / The way you wanna feel me tonight.”
Heartthrob KJ, 28, rose to fame after starring as Archie Andrews in the CW teen drama Riverdale, alongside acting A-listers like Lili Reinhart, Cole Sprouse and Camila Mendes. He is currently shooting a WWII film near Skibbereen, and seems to be having great fun on his downtime.
KJ took the character, known for his wacky fashion and bobbed haircut, onto the streets of Cork city earlier this month, much to the delight of social media users and fans of the actor. In bonkers clips shared to his social media pages, Mr Fantasy can be seen surprising fans on Patrick Street, dancing with buskers on Paul Street and doing street interviews with fans.
KJ’s alter-ego, British singer Mr Fantasy, started showing up online back in August. Eagle-eyed viewers soon saw past the wacky black wig and fake teeth to determine Mr Fantasy’s true identity.
Without the wig and bad teeth, KJ Apa is really in Cork to star as James Stewart in “Jimmy,” an upcoming biopic about the golden age of Hollywood star and “It’s a Wonderful Life” legend.
Principal photography began last month at West Cork Studios outside Skibbereen. The film is being billed as the biggest movie production ever staged in the Rebel county, marking a significant moment for both the local industry and the wider West Cork community.
The movie, which focuses on the real-life World War II heroism of Stewart, who flew bombers on combat missions over Europe, will feature the fast-rising Apa in the title role.
The film is set for a theatrical release in the U.S. in November 2026, with Irish and international release dates to follow.
