Cillian Murphy shared an interesting anecdote about his audition for the hit show Peaky Blinders, where he revealed that he had to convince the show’s creator to cast him as Thomas Shelby. He also mentioned how he felt less physically imposing than other actors who were being considered for the role, such as Jason Statham. But despite the competition, Murphy was determined to land the part and ultimately succeeded.
Cillian Murphy, the famous Irish actor who has made a name for himself in Hollywood, is renowned for portraying Thomas Shelby in the hit TV series ‘Peaky Blinders’. However, what many fans don’t know is that initially, he wasn’t the first choice for the role. Surprisingly enough, action star Jason Statham was initially considered for the part. It was only after Murphy convinced the show’s creator that he was the best fit for the character that he was finally cast as Thomas Shelby.
Cillian Murphy is known for his captivating portrayal of the charismatic leader of a British crime family during the turbulent times following World War I in a popular series. He has amassed a loyal following and received numerous accolades for his exemplary performance. The talented actor shared the story of how he landed this coveted role in an interview while promoting the horror sequel ‘A Quiet Place Part II’ with The Guardian in 2021. During the interview, he recounted his audition experience and revealed his unwavering resolve to win the part of Thomas Shelby.
According to Cillian Murphy, he had to work hard to convince the filmmakers that he was suitable for the role of a Birmingham-based gangster. He admitted that there were initial doubts about his physicality, as he is not a particularly imposing figure. However, Murphy eventually won the part and brought his own unique interpretation to the character. Interestingly, Murphy revealed that he had originally suggested Jason Statham for the role, citing his impressive physical presence as one of the main reasons. In the end, though, it was Murphy who took on the challenge and delivered a memorable performance.
Upon meeting Cillian, it became clear to me that he was not the same as his character Tommy. I must admit, I was foolish to assume otherwise. Cillian later sent me a text reminding me that he is an actor and therefore capable of transformation. His ability to become a different person is truly impressive, as he is unrecognizable on the street. This anecdote is quite fascinating, and I appreciate Cillian’s succinct message. It’s worth noting that Cillian’s recent film Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan, has been met with great success since its release last month.