After winning an Oscar for Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy is putting the flat cap back on for the upcoming Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man. However, returning to the role of Tommy Shelby after time away was not a simple switch. The actor openly shared that getting back into the character required significant effort and preparation.
Getting Back into Character
In a recent interview, Murphy explained the challenge of returning to a role he played for over a decade. He noted that you cannot just switch a character like Tommy Shelby on and off.
“You have to figure it out again. It’s not easy. You can’t just switch him on and off. It takes a moment, it takes a few weeks to get back to it,” he said.
To help rediscover the character’s world, Murphy rewatched the original television series. This process was essential for him to remember the setting and atmosphere. He described how the character eventually becomes familiar again, stating, “I have to watch some of it to remember what it’s all about. But then when you get into it, it becomes like a second skin because I’ve been playing him for like 12 years or something.”
This viewing experience was also emotional, particularly when seeing scenes with the late Helen McCrory, who played Aunt Polly. “It was very nice watching it, because it was actually quite a good show,” Murphy shared. “It was also quite heartbreaking, you know because I was watching Helen McCroy, and we lost her.”
The Reason for Returning
Murphy’s decision to return as Tommy Shelby was driven by a strong script and a sense of responsibility to the show’s fans. He acknowledged the fans’ role in the show’s success and sees the new film as a proper conclusion to the story.
“We got a really good script, and I have a sense of duty to the fans because, in many ways, they made the show the success that it is,” Murphy stated. “It’s a proper bookend to the whole 36 hours of television.”
Series creator Steven Knight also emphasized that the passionate fanbase was a key motivation for continuing the story. He expressed a desire for fans to experience the new chapter together in cinemas.
What to Expect from the New Film
The Immortal Man is scheduled for a 2026 release on Netflix. The story is set during World War II and will follow Tommy Shelby as he navigates a world at war, where global conflicts collide with themes of loyalty and survival. Steven Knight described the film as “full on Peaky Blinders at war.”
The film will be directed by Tom Harper and will feature new cast members, including Barry Keoghan, Stephen Graham, and Rebecca Ferguson. It will also see the return of familiar faces like Sophie Rundle and Ned Dennehy.
Following the film, a two-season sequel series has been officially ordered. Each season will have six hour-long episodes. The new series will be set in 1953, exploring post-war Birmingham and focusing on a new generation of the Shelby family.
Also Read: Aran Murphy: Cillian Murphy’s Son Lands Major HBO Role
