Jodie Comer almost landed a Peaky Blinders role: Find out which character she was supposed to play

Peaky Blinders, the British crime drama that first aired in 2013 and ended in 2022, was an extremely popular series and continues to be one even today. Set in post-World War I Birmingham, the show follows the dangerous world of the Shelby family as they rise in power.

The show starred actors like Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, and Tom Hardy in the characters Thomas Shelby, Polly Gray, and Alfie Solomons, respectively. The cast of Peaky Blinders could have also included Jodie Comer, known for her roles in Killing Eve and Free Guy.

Jodie Comer nearly joined Peaky Blinders

In a BuzzFeed interview promoting their film The Bikeriders, Jodie Comer and Austin Butler were asked an interesting question,

“If you could go back and star in a movie or show one of your 'The Bikeriders' co-stars was in, which would it be?”

Without hesitation, both stars chose Peaky Blinders. Their choice made sense, given that their co-star in The Bikeriders, Tom Hardy, played the memorable Alfie Solomons in Peaky Blinders.

Jodie Comer then said,

“I definitely auditioned for Peaky Blinders and didn’t get it so...”

That revelation by her causes intrigue. Who could Jodie Comer have played if she got the role?

One likely option is Grace Shelby, portrayed by Annabelle Wallis. Grace was a major figure in the early seasons, deeply connected to Tommy’s emotional journey. Jodie Comer’s acting style could have suited the role well, and she does look a lot like Annabelle Wallis.

Another possibility is Ada Shelby, played by Sophie Rundle. Ada, Tommy’s independent, often rebellious, and politically active sister, is one of the few female voices in the predominantly male cast. Though Rundle is a bit older than Comer, the age difference wouldn’t necessarily have ruled Comer out.

A third option could be Grand Duchess Tatiana Petrovna, a bold and unpredictable character from season three. Played by Gaite Jansen, Tatiana was mysterious and wild, traits Comer has portrayed in roles like Villanelle in Killing Eve.

Though Jodie Comer missed out on being a part of the crime drama, her career has continued to grow. Since her breakout in 2018, she’s starred in a range of projects, from films like Free Guy to dramas like The Last Duel.

Jodie Comer's next film is the upcoming film 28 Years Later, part of the 28 Days Later universe. The film’s description, according to the YouTube description of its trailer, states,

“It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.”

Although she didn’t get to join Peaky Blinders, Jodie Comer did audition for a role in the show. She was thus extremely close to being part of one of television's most successful crime dramas. Whether she was up for Grace, Ada, or Tatiana, we don't know, but one can wonder what she would've brought to the role if she had gotten it.

Peaky Blinders is streaming on Netflix.

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