Cillian Murphy has opened up about his unparalleled experience playing Tommy Shelby in the BBC’s Peaky Blinders, saying he will “never experience” a role quite like it again. As the long-running series culminated in 2022, Murphy now returns to the character for the highly anticipated film, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.
The Irish actor has inhabited the complex persona of Tommy Shelby for 13 years, captivating audiences with the ascent and struggles of the ruthless Birmingham crime boss. The new film returns Shelby from self-imposed exile amid the turmoil of the Second World War, deepening his story against a backdrop of chaos and personal reckoning.
At a recent press conference, Murphy, 49, reflected on the journey: “I feel really, really proud of the work. It’s incredible how long it’s been since we first started shooting at the end of 2012. The show has gained such a beloved following, which makes me immensely proud.”
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He elaborated on the unique privilege of portraying a single character over such an extended time: “The luxury is that all the research is done. Thirteen years living alongside Tommy Shelby – aging with him – it’s a unique and gratifying experience. I know I’ll never have this chance again.”
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man will also delve into Tommy’s complicated relationship with his estranged illegitimate son, Erasmus “Duke” Shelby, played by Barry Keoghan. Murphy described the film’s thematic focus: “Family has always been at the core of the series. Centering this story on Tommy and Duke allowed us to continue in a meaningful way.”
Murphy offered insight into Tommy’s state in the film: “When we meet him, he’s withdrawn and grappling with personal demons. The war tests his values—beyond the illegal dealings and harsh decisions, he begins to ask himself what he truly stands for. By the film’s end, Tommy starts to confront his true beliefs.”
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man will premiere on Netflix on March 20, promising fans a deep and powerful continuation of Tommy Shelby’s saga.