Cillian Murphy Reflects on a Quarter-Century as Tommy Shelby
For nearly a quarter of his life, Cillian Murphy has embodied Tommy Shelby, one of the most iconic television characters of the 21st century. As a fresh Peaky Blinders film approaches, the Oscar-winning actor discusses the enduring appeal of Shelby, his passion for music and his recent year-long break from acting.
The Enduring Legacy of Tommy Shelby
“I’ve played the character for a quarter of my life now, so I think I have a great understanding of how Tommy Shelby ticks,” Murphy stated, acknowledging the role that has significantly defined his career, even after his 2024 Best Actor Oscar win for Oppenheimer.
From his striking first appearance – a bespoke-suited man on horseback navigating the sooty streets of post-WWI Birmingham – to the upcoming Netflix film where the Peaky Blinders leader confronts the Nazis, Tommy Shelby has grow an iconic figure in recent television history.
Murphy, now 49, notes the character’s evolution alongside his own journey into middle age. “You grow into the character of Thomas Shelby as you grow into middle age,” he explained. “And you also begin to examine and explore all the different themes and topics that happen to men in middle age.”
Navigating the Transition to Film
The forthcoming Peaky Blinders film represents a challenge in adapting the story from its usual six-hour format to a two-hour feature. Murphy, along with director Tom Harper and creator Steven Knight, aimed to create a standalone experience accessible to both longtime fans, and newcomers.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man delves into the supernatural, with Shelby haunted by his past and experiencing premonitions. Murphy expressed a belief in energy and its transfer, particularly the negative energy associated with trauma and violence, but remains unconvinced by the existence of ghosts or specters.
The Integral Role of Music
Music has always been central to the Peaky Blinders universe, and the film continues this tradition. Fontaines D.C. Composed original music specifically for the film, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds rerecorded “Red Right Hand,” offering a fresh take on the display’s iconic theme song.
Murphy’s own connection to music runs deep. He recalls experiencing a powerful energy while performing music early in his career, a sensation he continues to chase. He has been playing and writing music during his recent sabbatical.
A Return to Roots and Future Projects
In 2024, Murphy and his wife, artist Yvonne McGuinness, purchased the Phoenix cinema in Dingle, Ireland, with plans to transform it into a multidisciplinary community arts center, including a theater and music venue.
Murphy co-founded the production company Big Things Films with Alan Moloney, which has already produced Small Things Like These and Steve. The company aims to create films that explore core truths about the human experience.
Reflecting on a Career and an Oscar
Murphy acknowledges that his Oscar win for Oppenheimer may have opened doors for projects like Steve, but insists his artistic taste remains unchanged. He continues to seek out roles and projects that resonate with him personally.
After wrapping The Immortal Man at the end of 2024, Murphy took a year-long sabbatical from acting, a period he found necessary to recharge and rediscover his passion for the craft. “I needed a rest from it, that’s all,” he said. “I’m ready to go back to acting now.”
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man will be released in cinemas on March 6 and on Netflix on March 20.