Cillian Murphy on the “Magic Formula” Behind Peaky Blinders and the Role That Defined His Career

Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy has opened up about the unexpected success of Peaky Blinders and how portraying Tommy Shelby shaped his career — while insisting he’s nothing like the crime boss he played for nearly a decade.

“Mostly the Writing”: Murphy’s Secret to the Show’s Success

In a recent interview, Murphy credited a “magic formula” for the show’s rise to cultural phenomenon status. “Mostly the writing,” he said, referring to series creator Steven Knight’s work. “But also, it was a moment in time.”

The Irish actor reflected on the series’ unlikely journey from a BBC drama to a global hit, noting, “We never anticipated that the TV show would have that impact, would be so adored and have that longevity. It is defining.”

A Role Unlike Any Other

Murphy, now 49, has played Tommy Shelby — a cunning and complex gang leader — for more than a quarter of his life. Yet, he’s quick to clarify the difference between himself and the fictional character: “I’m not a psychopathic gangster,” he joked.

He described the opportunity to play Shelby as both a privilege and a rare experience in television. “To grow older with a character, you don’t really get to do that, and that is the joy of long-form television.”

The Story Continues: The Immortal Man

Although Peaky Blinders ended in 2022 after six acclaimed seasons, Murphy will return in a Netflix film titled The Immortal Man, written by Knight. The story is set during World War II, when Britain faced the threat of Nazi Germany before the United States entered the conflict.

Murphy remained tight-lipped about plot details, teasing only, “I think it’s better to keep it under wraps, keep it a surprise.” Production wrapped in December 2024, with a release date yet to be announced.

Beyond Shelby: New Roles, New Challenges

Since the series concluded, Murphy has continued to expand his range. His portrayal of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. He also appeared in Small Things Like These and voiced a character in the animated adaptation of Kensuke’s Kingdom.

His latest project, Steve, takes him far from the smoky streets of Birmingham. The film follows a head teacher in a 1996 boys’ reform school navigating a challenging day filled with personal and professional trials. Murphy called it “a love letter to teachers,” describing them as “custodians of the next generation.”

Tackling Real Issues with Empathy

Steve explores themes of mental health and youth violence — subjects that Murphy hopes will resonate with audiences. “People are seeing it through the prism of their own life experience,” he said. “Even though it’s set three decades ago, it shows that these issues are always there.”

The film is now showing in cinemas and will be available on Netflix next month.

A Legacy That Endures

Reflecting on his years with Peaky Blinders, Murphy admitted that one moment from the series still haunts him — though he didn’t reveal which. For fans, that mystery only deepens the intrigue surrounding both the show and the actor at its center.

With The Immortal Man on the horizon and new artistic ventures ahead, Cillian Murphy continues to prove that, much like Tommy Shelby, he knows how to leave an unforgettable mark — though, thankfully, through talent and storytelling rather than fear and power.