Key Takeaways:
– Steven Knight initially considered Jason Statham over Cillian Murphy for the role of Tommy Shelby.
– Knight admired Statham’s commanding presence and deemed him capable of a more intense portrayal.
– Steven Knight changed his decision in favor of Murphy, acknowledging his extraordinary acting prowess.
– Murphy’s versatility and dedication to character immersion were key to his selection.
– Cillian Murphy is expected to reprise his role in the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie.
The Battle for The Tommy Shelby Crown
The BBC series Peaky Blinders has gifted audiences worldwide with striking performances, chiefly Cillian Murphy’s captivating portrayal of the lead character, Thomas Shelby. However, Murphy’s unforgettable role as Shelby could have been a tale of the Fast and Furious star, Jason Statham.
Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, recently opened up during a live watch-along event hosted by Esquire UK about how close Murphy came to losing the iconic role to Statham.
Statham vs. Murphy: Remember I’m an Actor
Knight stated that his initial inclinations leaned towards casting Statham for Tommy Shelby’s character. Much of this was based on the overwhelming presence Statham commanded during their meeting, hinting that the Fast and Furious star was fully capable of a more robust and intense embodiment of the character.
However, things took a remarkable turn when Knight decided to assess Cillian Murphy’s convincing persona deeply. Murphy, during their meeting, stood out as a stark contrast to Shelby’s character, leading Knight to question his ability to nail the complex role.
Nevertheless, Murphy ensured to nudge Knight subtly regarding his acting prowess. He dispatched a text message post their meeting stating, “Remember, I am an actor,” compelling Knight to reconsider his decision.
A Twist in the Casting Tale
Even though Knight initially thought he was ‘stupid enough’ to misinterpret Murphy’s ability, Murphy’s transformative talent soon overshadowed these doubts. Knight was moved by Murphy’s exceptional proficiency to inhabit a role entirely, which emphatically distinguished him as an actor.
Knight went on to commend Murphy’s dedication and skill in maintaining character throughout filming. The character of Tommy Shelby required a more sophisticated transition from a refined country gentleman to a ruthless urban outlaw.
Knight appreciated Murphy’s incredible depth of character transformation, stating it is “extraordinary, with his whole presence,” and much more than a mere flick of a button. This observation played a huge role in securing Murphy his now-iconic role.
Cillian’s Irreplaceable Talent
Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Tommy Shelby has not only charmed the audience throughout the six-season run of the series, but it has also earned him critical acclaim. The Oscar-winning actor is expected to reprise his widely appreciated role in the forthcoming Peaky Blinders movie, hinted Knight.
The journey from Murphy’s unsure position post-meeting with Knight to eventually securing the role showcases his resilience and confidence in his craft. Murphy’s transformation into Thomas Shelby, much beyond the flip of a switch, is an example of his remarkable acting talent and dedication.
The riveting British television series, Peaky Blinders, is available to stream on Netflix. The series’ sheer storytelling brilliance coalescing with Murphy’s transformative performance has made the show a global favorite. Steven knight’s decision to rope in Murphy for the role of Tommy Shelby, undeniably, has been one of the significant factors in solidifying Peaky Blinders’ overwhelming success.
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