Peaky Blinders Star Says No To New Series
The star of Peak Blinders has said there will be no new series of the popular BBC 1 show. Cillian Murphy said he has no plans to reprise his role even though there have been stories that a new series or film is in the pipeline.
Cillian Murphy, the acclaimed Irish actor known for his role as Thomas Shelby in the hit series Peaky Blinders has put an end to speculations about a potential comeback of the show.
The award-winning actor, who took home the Best Lead Actor accolade at the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards, made it clear that his focus lies elsewhere.
Since its debut in 2013, Peaky Blinders has captivated audiences worldwide with its gripping storyline and stellar performances.
The British period crime drama, created by Steven Knight, revolves around the notorious Shelby family and their criminal activities in post-World War I Birmingham. Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Thomas Shelby earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
However, all good things must come to an end, and Peaky Blinders bid farewell to its viewers with its sixth and final season in April 2022. The conclusion of the series left fans yearning for more, fuelling rumours and speculation about a potential comeback.
At the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards, where Murphy was honoured with the Best Lead Actor award for his role in Oppenheimer, reporters seized the opportunity to inquire about a possible return of Peaky Blinders. With a firm and decisive tone, Murphy quickly shut down any hopes of a reunion with his Peaky Blinders castmates.
When asked if he would consider reprising his iconic role as Tommy Shelby in the near future, Murphy unequivocally stated, “No. I’m concentrating on my new project.” This statement not only dashed the hopes of fans eagerly awaiting a Peaky Blinders comeback but also emphasized Murphy’s commitment to his upcoming venture.
While details about Murphy’s new project are still emerging, it has already generated significant buzz and anticipation among his fans. Titled Small Things like These, the historical drama is set in Ireland in 1985.
Directed by Tim Mielants and adapted by Enda Walsh from Claire Keegan’s novel of the same name, the film sheds light on the Magdalene laundry scandal that plagued the country until the late 1990s.
The Magdalene Laundries, also known as Magdalene asylums, were institutions run by Roman Catholic orders.
These institutions, operational from the 18th to the late 20th centuries, claimed to provide shelter for “fallen women.” However, an estimated 30,000 women were confined to these institutions in Ireland, subjected to harsh working conditions and abuse.
In Small Things like These, Murphy portrays Bill Furlong, a hard-working father of six in the sleepy town of New Ross, County Wexford.
Furlong’s life takes a dramatic turn when he confronts the reality of the Catholic Church’s power over young unmarried women in his community. The film aims to shed light on this dark chapter of Irish history and the lasting impact it had on individuals and society as a whole.
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Despite the disappointment of Peaky Blinders fans, Murphy’s enthusiasm for his upcoming project is palpable. In an interview during the BAFTA Awards winners conference, he expressed his excitement for Small Things like These and the significance of the film’s subject matter.
Speaking about the film’s universal appeal, Murphy stated, “I think the movie’s universality lies in its specificity.” He shared that during screenings in New York, Los Angeles, and Berlin, audiences from different backgrounds responded to the film with raw emotion. Murphy believes that art has the power to address collective trauma, and Small Things like These aims to do just that.
