Cillian Murphy addresses his conditions on whether he would return to Peaky Blinders once more after the series finale. Across six seasons, Murphy’s Tommy Shelby fought the law, rival criminal syndicates, and the rise of fascism in post-World War I Great Britain. While Tommy stepped away from that life at the end of the show in 2022, series creator Steven Knight has been developing a spin-off movie, alongside a potential prequel and sequel series.
The actor reflected on his time on the show with BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs and addressed whether he would be willing to return to the role in Knight’s upcoming Peaky Blinders movie. Despite how Tommy Shelby’s story concluded and his increasing age, Murphy remains open to returning should Knight’s plans interest him. Check out his full explanation below:
If there is more story to tell, and if Stephen Knight delivers a script like I know he can, then I will be there. I mean, if we want to watch 50-year-old Tommy Shelby, I will be there. Let’s do it.
Is Cillian Murphy’s Return Necessary For Peaky Blinders’ Future?
In the Peaky Blinders season 6 ending, Tommy was given an open-ended fate after going through several challenges that resulted in him parting ways with the Shelby family. Having been pushed to the edge in season 5 and left on the verge of suicide, season 6 saw Tommy press on amid loss, sickness, and curses. However, after the truth about his illness was revealed, Tommy found himself at peace and quietly stepped out of the spotlight.
While Tommy’s conclusion leaves room for his return, the future of Peaky Blinders doesn’t rest solely on his shoulders. In December 2023, it was revealed Netflix had ambitions for two separate spinoffs that expand the world beyond Shelby’s story. This includes a US-based sequel potentially following up on the gang’s American operations, alongside a prequel exploring the life of the young Polly Gray (portrayed in the series by the late Helen McCrory). As such, it is clear that while Murphy’s involvement would benefit the series’ future, it isn’t a dealbreaker if he chooses to step aside.
Tommy Shelby was the driving force of much of Peaky Blinders‘ story, setting off the gang’s journey and ultimately bringing their conflicts to a close. As such, it may be hard to imagine Murphy not playing a role in Knight’s movie, especially if it is used as an epilogue to the main series’ story. However, with Murphy reaffirming his interest and faith in Knight’s work, Tommy Shelby may yet have some part to play in his family’s future.
Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders is a historical crime drama created and written by Steven Knight and starring Cillian Murphy, Sam Neill, and Helen McCrory. The television show is based on the gang, Peaky Blinders, a group that banded together after the end of World War I.
- Release Date
- September 12, 2013
- Cast
- Annabelle Wallis , Ian Peck , Helen McCrory , Paul Anderson , Cillian Murphy , Ned Dennehy , Aimee-Ffion Edwards , Sam Neill , Sophie Rundle , Tony Pitts , Joe Cole
- Seasons
- 6
- Writers
- Steven Knight
- Streaming Service(s)
- Netflix
- Directors
- Otto Bathurst , Tom Harper , Colm McCarthy , Tim Mielants , David Caffrey , Anthony Byrne
- Showrunner
- Steven Knight
