Cillian Murphy, who plays Tommy Shelby in the popular series Peaky Blinders, attributes its ongoing popularity to its storytelling rather than his performance. The Irish actor returns to the role in the upcoming Netflix film The Immortal Man, where the narrative shifts to a new era and involves a younger generation led by Barry Keoghan’s character.
Murphy told Metro that the show’s strength lies in its long format, which allows for deep exploration of characters over time. “It allows you to really explore all the light and shade, all the different complexities that characters can have,” he said. “And I think if you spend that length of time with a character, you will begin to invest in them in an emotional, kind of intimate way.”
Tim Roth, another cast member in The Immortal Man, echoed this sentiment, noting television provides more space for exploring characters’ traits and flaws. He pointed out that entire episodes can focus on one aspect of a character, which is not always feasible in films.
Despite the show’s global success and the popularity of Tommy Shelby, Murphy dismissed the notion that his performance is key to its appeal. “It’s very humbling when it does, but I do think that’s the fans doing,” he commented.
Peaky Blinders concluded after six seasons in 2022. The sequel film A Mortal Man is scheduled for a theatrical release on March 6, 2026, and will premiere on Netflix on March 20, 2026.