Cillian Murphyhas said playing Tommy Shelbyin the hit crime drama Peaky Blindersis a role he will “never experience again”as he reflected on more than a decade leading the hugely popular series.
The Cork-born actorfronted the show for nearly 13 years, portraying the ruthless leader of the Shelby crime family in Birmingham. Murphy’s portrayal of the calculating gangster became one of television’s most recognisable performances, helping turn the series into a global phenomenon after it debuted on the BBCin 2013.
Although the series concluded in 2022, the story is set to continue in a new spin-off film, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which will see Shelby drawn back into the chaos of World War IIafter a period of self-imposed exile.
Speaking during a press conference, the 49-year-oldactor reflected on how unusual it was to inhabit the same character for so long.
“I feel really, really proud of the work. It’s nuts that it’s been so long. The end of 2012is when we shot the original series.”
“So many people have watched it, and it’s become so beloved, so I just feel immensely proud of it.”
Murphy said the length of time he spent playing the character gave him a rare opportunity to grow alongside him.
“I think the luxury of having played (Tommy Shelby) for so long is that all the research is kind of done, you know?”
“You’ve got like 13 yearsthere. You’ve lived it alongside him, and also you’ve kind of aged alongside him. It’s kind of unique.”
“I’ll never experience that again, and it’s really unusual and gratifying to have that opportunity to play a character like that.”
@yahoouk Irish actor Cillian Murphy has said his role in Peaky Blinders is one he will “never experience again”, as he reflected on 13 years as the face of the popular crime drama. Speaking during a press conference, the 49-year-old actor said: “I feel really, really proud of the work. It’s nuts that it’s been so long. The end of 2012 is when we shot the original series. “So many people have watched it, and it’s become so beloved, so I just feel immensely proud of it.” #peakyblinders#cillianmurphy#tommyshelby♬ original sound - Yahoo UK
The upcoming film will also explore Tommy Shelby’s complicated relationship with his illegitimate son Duke Shelby, played by fellow Irish star Barry Keoghan, who was introduced late in the series.
Murphy explained that continuing the story in film form needed a strong narrative reason.
“In order for us to conclude (the series) with a film, it needed to justify itself.”
“Ultimately, that comes down to the script.”
“The main sort of thematic drive of the show has always been family, if we continued with that and made it a father and son story and introduced Duke in that manner then we knew we were on the right track — and off we went.”
The film finds Tommy Shelby living away from the criminal empire he built, though the war forces him to confront who he really is.
“When we meet him, (he) is kind of withdrawn from the world, and he’s dealing with his own personal stuff.”
“But I think what setting the film against the backdrop of the war means that his values are being tested all the time.”
Murphy said the story ultimately pushes the character to confront deeper questions about his life.
“What do you actually believe in? What do you actually stand for, aside from illegal bookmaking and racketeering and making money and buying houses and abandoning children and abandoning wives, what do you actually stand for?”
“And then he figures it out.”
“And I think he begins — towards the end of the film — to really realise what he actually stands for.”
The original Peaky Blindersseries followed the rise of the Shelby family in post-World War I Birmingham, blending historical drama with stylised storytelling and becoming one of the most successful British television exports of the past decade.
The new film, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, will be released globally on Netflixon March 20, marking the next chapter in the story of one of television’s most iconic anti-heroes.
The Shelby family has officially landed in the United States, as the stars of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Mangathered in New York Cityfor the film’s stateside premiere.
Leading the red carpet was Cillian Murphy, who reprises his iconic role as Tommy Shelby, alongside co-stars Rebecca Ferguson, Barry Keoghanand Tim Roth. The premiere marked one of the first major public appearances for the cast since the highly anticipated film adaptation of the hit television series was completed.
The project continues the story of the Shelby crime family first introduced in the hugely successful BBC drama Peaky Blinders, which ran for six seasons between 2013 and 2022. Created by Steven Knight, the series followed the rise of a ruthless gang operating in Birminghamin the years after the First World War, with Murphy’s calculating gang leader Tommy Shelby becoming one of television’s most memorable anti-heroes.
Since the series concluded, fans have been eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the story. “The Immortal Man”picks up the narrative beyond the events of the show’s final season, bringing the Shelby saga to the big screen for the first time.
Murphy, who won the Academy Award for Best Actorfor his performance in Oppenheimer, has long been closely associated with the role of Tommy Shelby, with the character helping cement his global profile during the show’s run.
Irish actor Barry Keoghan, meanwhile, joins the expanding cast following a run of acclaimed performances in films including The Banshees of Inisherinand Saltburn, which helped elevate him to international stardom. His involvement in the Peaky Blindersfilm has only intensified anticipation among fans of the franchise.
Also appearing in the film is Rebecca Ferguson, best known for her roles in blockbuster franchises such as Duneand Mission: Impossible – Fallout, while veteran actor Tim Rothadds further star power to the project.
While specific plot details for “The Immortal Man”have largely been kept under wraps, creator Steven Knighthas previously described the film as a major continuation of the Peaky Blinders story rather than a simple epilogue to the television series.
The original show built a devoted international following thanks to its gritty storytelling, cinematic style and memorable soundtrack, helping transform Peaky Blindersinto a global cultural phenomenon. The series also played a major role in boosting interest in its Birminghamsetting, with themed tours, exhibitions and merchandise emerging as the show’s popularity surged worldwide.
For Irish audiences in particular, the project carries extra interest thanks to the presence of Cillian Murphyand Barry Keoghan, two of the country’s most prominent actors on the international stage.
The New York premiere offered fans their first major glimpse of the cast promoting the film together, as the actors stepped out in style on the red carpet ahead of the movie’s release.
With anticipation building and the Shelby family returning to screens in cinematic form, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Manis shaping up to be one of the most closely watched film releases connected to a television franchise in recent years.
Cillian Murphy has opened up about stepping back into the world of Peaky Blinders, four years after the hit series wrapped — and he’s made it clear that the story may not be over.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in Birmingham, the real-life home of the historical Peaky Blinders gang, Murphy reflected on what it feels like to once again wear Tommy Shelby’s signature suit and cap.
When asked how it felt returning to the role, he said: “It always feel fresh but it always feels familiar. Because I've been playing it for so long. It always represents a challenge. Because the writing is so good.”
It’s a fitting description for a character Murphy has embodied since 2013. Created by Steven Knight, the BBC crime drama followed the rise of the Shelby crime family in post–World War I Birmingham. Over six series, it evolved from a gritty period gangster show into a global cultural phenomenon.
What began as a BBC Two drama gradually became one of Britain’s most internationally successful exports, particularly after it landed on Netflix. The show built a massive global audience, with fans across Europe, North America and beyond embracing its stylised violence, razor-sharp dialogue and cinematic production values. By its later seasons, it was drawing millions of viewers per episode in the UK alone and trending globally with every new release.
Financially, the franchise has been hugely lucrative. While exact production profits are not publicly broken down, its global Netflix licensing, merchandise, fashion collaborations and immersive experiences have turned it into a multi-million-pound brand. The show has inspired everything from official clothing lines to themed bars and live events. In Birmingham, Peaky Blinders tourism has reportedly generated significant economic impact, with fans travelling specifically to visit filming locations and related attractions.
Murphy’s portrayal of Tommy Shelby — the calculating, traumatised gang leader turned political power player — has been central to that success. The Cork-born actor was already respected for roles in 28 Days Later, Inception and his long-running collaboration with director Christopher Nolan, but Peaky Blinders elevated him to a different tier of international stardom.
That ascent reached new heights in 2023 when he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his lead role in Oppenheimer, cementing him as one of Ireland’s most accomplished screen exports. Yet despite that Hollywood success, Tommy Shelby remains one of his most defining roles.
When asked whether this latest return signals a final farewell or a new beginning, Murphy was characteristically measured.
“I think the universe of it will continue, I imagine. If the fans or if there's more story to tell, then yeah sure. But it's not reallu up to me.”
That comment aligns with creator Steven Knight’s long-stated ambition to expand the Peaky Blinders universe. A feature-length film continuation has already been confirmed, with production under way and Murphy reprising his role. Knight has also hinted at potential spin-offs set in the same world.
The show’s ensemble cast has been another major factor in its appeal. Alongside Murphy, the series featured the late Helen McCrory as the formidable Polly Gray, a performance widely regarded as one of the show’s emotional anchors. It also starred Tom Hardy as volatile gang leader Alfie Solomons, Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby, Sophie Rundle as Ada Shelby, and Anya Taylor-Joy as Gina Gray, among others. High-profile guest appearances over the years further boosted its prestige status.
Critically acclaimed and the recipient of multiple BAFTAwins, the series became known for its bold soundtrack choices — blending Nick Cave, Arctic Monkeys and other modern artists with 1920s visuals — as well as its sharp tailoring and instantly recognisable aesthetic. The flat cap and long overcoat became global fashion statements.
For Irish viewers, the full six seasons of Peaky Blinders are currently available to stream on Netflix, where it continues to attract new audiences years after its finale aired in 2022.
Murphy’s latest comments suggest that while he may not control the franchise’s future, he recognises its enduring pull. The combination of a fiercely loyal fanbase, a proven global audience and an expansive fictional universe means Peaky Blinders is far from fading quietly into television history.
If anything, Murphy’s return to that “suit and cap” signals that the Shelby legacy — much like Tommy himself — is difficult to bury.
Written by Louise Ducrocq
Louise is an expert content creator, and online author for Radio Nova. She's evolved in a few different fields, including mental health and travel, and is now excited to be part of the wonderful word of Radio.
