"He’s not afraid of death" : When Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy talked about the rise of Tommy Shelby

Peaky Blinders is one of the most prominent British historical crime dramas, created by Steven Knight. It centers on Tommy Shelby, the sharp and ambitious leader of the Peaky Blinders gang, as he builds a powerful criminal empire in post-World War I Birmingham.

The show ran for six seasons from 2013 to 2022 and was known for its gripping storyline, memorable soundtrack, and striking visuals. Its global popularity was boosted by Netflix. Cillian Murphy described Tommy Shelby’s rise as unfolding during a time of major cultural change.

The war left soldiers deeply scarred and unsupported on their return. It broke Tommy’s trust in religion, authority, and the system, shaping his hardened personality.

More about Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy’s thoughts

Peaky Blinders follows Tommy’s climb to power as he navigates a fractured society, political unrest, and criminal life. As the gang’s leader, he’s portrayed as a complex figure—defined by ambition, military experience, and calculated strategy.

In a 2019 BBC interview, Cillian Murphy spoke about how real-world events influenced the character. He noted how soldiers who returned from World War I had endured horrific trauma and were sent back into society without meaningful support.

He described that time as one of “huge societal change,” during which men like Tommy Shelby rejected institutions such as religion and authority. Murphy observed that Tommy’s disillusionment with these structures helped shape who he became. He said:

"Religion was just a joke, you know, authority was just a joke... the establishment was a joke."

Tommy had been a tunneller during the war—exposed to what Murphy called “the worst of the worst.” But instead of breaking him, the trauma fueled Tommy’s ruthless ambition. Murphy added:

"He’s not afraid of death. So, every day is just, like, for free – so why not?"

Murphy explained that Tommy’s fearlessness is what makes him such a dangerous and compelling character. He became someone who lived without limits—cold, driven, and constantly moving forward. Murphy further added:

"There’s no rest for me in this world. Perhaps in the next."

Cillian Murphy’s rise beyond Peaky Blinders

Tommy’s personality throughout the series is defined by this inner conflict, as well as his sharp intellect and emotional distance. Murphy’s career, too, has been marked by standout roles.

He gained early recognition with films like 28 Days Later (2002) and Intermission (2003). From his stage debut to his film breakthrough, his path has been steady. However, it was his role as Tommy Shelby that cemented his place as a leading figure in both film and television. More recently, he earned acclaim for playing J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer (2023).

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