Cillian Murphy Reflects on Tommy Shelby Role in Peaky Blinders Movie
Cillian Murphy, alongside co-stars Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Roth, has opened up about the highly anticipated film adaptation of Peaky Blinders, titled Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. In an interview, Murphy revealed a profound connection with his character, Tommy Shelby, stating that after years of portrayal, there is a blurring of lines between himself and the iconic gangster. The film, set in 1940, follows Tommy grieving his daughter in isolation, with new characters adding fresh intrigue to the gritty Birmingham saga.
New Stars Bring Fresh Perspectives to the Peaky Universe
Tim Roth, who plays John Beckett, a treasurer for the British Union of Fascists, admitted he had not watched the series before joining the cast, a decision he made to maintain a raw performance. Similarly, Rebecca Ferguson, portraying Kaulo Chirklo, Queen of the Palmer Witches, watched only one season, emphasizing the challenge of six extensive series. Both actors focused on bringing unpredictability to their roles, with Roth suggesting a working-class background for his character to enhance authenticity.
Ferguson's performance is described as luminous and menacing, akin to a Lady Macbeth in Romany silk, while Roth embodies compressed malice, reimagining a Tarantino villain within a Whitehall traitor narrative. Director Tom Harper praised Ferguson's mercurial acting, noting her ability to convey complexity without revealing too much.
Murphy's Evolution and the Film's Historical Depth
Murphy, returning as Tommy Shelby, finds the character hollowed by grief and dragged back into violence, drawing parallels to Clint Eastwood's William Munny in Unforgiven. Despite winning an Oscar for Oppenheimer in 2024, Murphy insists his values remain unchanged, though director Harper observes a newfound power in his presence that intimidates fellow actors.
The film's plot delves into historical events, including Operation Bernhard, a Nazi scheme to forge British currency, and the bombing of the BSA factory in Birmingham. Creator Steven Knight uses these true events as narrative anchors, highlighting the timeless relevance of fascism and class struggles. Knight notes the film's topicality, with rising far-right movements echoing the 1940s setting.
Cinematic Transition and Inclusivity in Filmmaking
Addressing the challenge of transitioning from television to cinema, Knight compares long-form TV to novels and films to short stories, emphasizing the need for a definitive structure. Murphy assures that The Immortal Man can stand alone for new viewers, while Barry Keoghan's portrayal of Duke Shelby adds a live-wire energy and vulnerability, rooted in his personal experiences.
Murphy and Roth advocate for inclusivity in the film industry, stressing the importance of opportunities for working-class youth. Murphy warns against an exclusive industry, highlighting the role of youth clubs and libraries in nurturing talent. Roth reflects on his own beginnings in pub theatre during a transformative era for British television.
Future of the Peaky Blinders Franchise
The film serves as a hinge for the franchise, with Knight already writing a new series set in 1953. The Immortal Man is not an ending but a continuation, positioning Tommy Shelby as a reluctant king pulled back into a world of danger and intrigue. The film is currently in cinemas and will stream on Netflix from 20 March, promising to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
