Oppenheimer actor Cillian Murphy to star in Netflix film Peaky Blinders: 'Seems like Tommy Shelby wasn’t finished with me'

Cillian Murphy plays Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders, which is inspired by a historical Birmingham gang of the same name. The gang grew to prominence between 1880 and 1920. (Image via X)

2024 Best Actor Oscar winner Cillian Murphy is returning as Birmingham gangster Tommy Shelby, this time in Netflix's Peaky Blinders the film. Peaky Blinders first came on to our screens as a Netflix series; its six seasons running from 2013 until 2022.

Peaky Blinders the series is set in Birmingham in the aftermath of World War 1, from 1919-34, and follows the fortunes of the Shelby family as they navigate the changing social, economic and political landscape.

The story of Peaky Blinders the film is still under wraps. According to an article on Tudum, "The film, which goes into production later this year, will be an epic continuation of the multi-award-winning, six-season gangster saga."

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Who were the Peaky Blinders?

Peaky Blinders was a gang of mostly petty criminals - young boys in Birmingham who robbed, racketeered and controlled gambling to climb out of poverty in post-War Britain.

The Peaky Blinders dressed sharply in tailored jackets, lapelled overcoats, waistcoats, silk scarves and peaked flat caps that may or may not have hidden disposable blades.

The Netflix series Peaky Blinders drew upon this history for the background, the story and the on-point costumes that triggered a trend when the series launched almost a century after the historical Peaky Blinders peaked.

Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby

As World War 1 veteran-turned-gangster Thomas Shelby, Cillian Murphy communicates as much through his silences and body language as through his words. He's careful and considered. His love story with Grace tethers him initially and then drives him to distraction. His crime-fuelled empire grows exponentially, and he runs in an election to become member of Parliament. Even as his influence grows, his personal ties with friends and family are diluted. Cillian Murphy won four awards for his portrayal of Shelby: two Irish Film & Television Awards and two National Television Awards.

For Peaky Blinders the film, Cillian Murphy isn't the only big-name returnee. Steven Knight and Tom Harper are back as writer and director on the film. Speaking to Netflix, Knight said: “I’m genuinely thrilled that this movie is about to happen... It will be an explosive chapter in the Peaky Blinders story. No holds barred. Full on Peaky Blinders at war.”