EntertainmentThe actor who almost starred in Peaky Blinders instead of Cillian MurphySteven Knight, creator of the series, wanted an action movie star to play Thomas Shelbytoday at 08:00

Great recent TV success, Peaky Blinders won a legion of fans throughout its six seasons. The series’ plot was the criminal activities of the eponymous group in the British city of Birmingham. Its main protagonist is Thomas Shelbyplayed by Cillian Murphy.

The Irish actor’s performance as the gangster was so remarkable that it is difficult to imagine anyone else bringing the character to life. However, this was very close to happening.

Steve Knightcreator of Peaky Blindershad two names in mind to bring the protagonist to life: in addition to his own Murphyalso considered choosing Jason Statham. The producer called the two actors for a conversation and initially opted for the action film star.

In a 2020 interview with Esquire (via Independent), Knight revealed the reason for choosing Jason Statham at first. The producer said:

I met them both in Los Angeles to talk about the role and I chose Jason. One of the reasons is because, physically, Jason is Jason. Cillian, when I met him, didn’t look like Tommy (Shelby).”

Understandable choice

In conversation with the newspaper The Guardian, Cillian Murphy admitted understanding the producer’s initial choice. After all, the actor himself knows he is a little far from addressing this physical issue.

Initially, there were some doubts as to whether I would meet the physical requirements, something I understand. I’m not the most physically imposing person.”

Landing the role of Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders

Even with the initial choice, Cillian Murphy did not give up the role. Upon noticing that the character didn’t just need muscles, the actor sent a direct message to Steve Knight to make him change his mind:

“Remember, I’m an actor.”

The phrase was enough to make Steve Knight give up climbing Jason Statham. He himself admitted, some time later, that he had not considered anyone other than Cillian Murphy to interpret Thomas Shelby.

We didn’t even talk about anyone else (to play the protagonist).”

Why Cillian Murphy wanted the job so much

In another interview, now with the newspaper The Independent. Cillian Murphy revealed that he found the name of the series meaningless. However, upon learning more about the premise of Peaky Blinders and who was Thomas Shelbydecided he wanted to play him anyway.

The title (of the series) didn’t make much sense to me. But he was so attractive and confident and the character was so rich and complex and layered and contradictory. I already thought: ‘I have to do this’.”

Peaky Blinders Movie

The story of Peaky Blinders will conclude with a film, which takes place after the end of the sixth season of the series. The plot will be set during World War II and filming will begin in September 2024.

Winner of the 2024 Oscar for Best Actor for starring Oppenheimer (2023), directed by Christopher Nolan, Cillian Murphy will be back to the role of Thomas Shelby. Rebecca Ferguson (Dune) will also be in the work, as an as-yet-unrevealed character.

Collaborated: Augusto Ikeda.