Jason Statham Almost Played Tommy Shelby—Until Cillian Murphy Changed Everything

When Peaky Blinders first made its mark on television, one of the key elements that drew audiences in was the magnetic presence of its lead character, Tommy Shelby. Played by Cillian Murphy, the role became iconic, but Murphy almost didn’t get it. In fact, the role was initially offered to another actor: Jason Statham.

Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, admitted during a live watch-along hosted by Esquire UK that Statham was his first choice for the role. “I’d just made a film with Jason,” Knight recalled, explaining that he was considering both Statham and Murphy for the character. At the time, Knight had a strong impression of Statham’s physical presence, believing he fit the tough, gritty image of Tommy Shelby. But that all changed after a text message from Murphy.

The message was short and direct: “Remember I’m an actor.” Murphy, with his deep understanding of the craft, reminded Knight that his strength lay not in his physicality but in his ability to transform into the characters he portrayed. This message quickly made Knight reassess his initial choice, and he realized that Murphy was the perfect actor to embody the complex and multifaceted Tommy Shelby. From then on, there was no question—Murphy was the only actor for the role.

For Murphy, the decision to take on Tommy Shelby was clear. Despite finding the title “Peaky Blinders” somewhat confusing at first, he was drawn to the character’s complexity. “The character was so rich and complex, layered and contradictory. I was like, ‘I have to do this,'” he said in an interview with The Independent in 2013.

To prepare for the role, Murphy immersed himself in every aspect of the character. He spent time with Steven Knight and his friends at The Garrison pub in Birmingham’s Small Heath, a key location in the show, recording conversations to perfect the Brummie accent. He also took it a step further by learning about Romani culture, speaking with elders of different clans, and even learning to ride a horse bareback. Over several months, Murphy’s dedication transformed him into Tommy Shelby.

Now, with a Peaky Blinders movie on the horizon following the series’ immense success, it’s clear that the role of Tommy Shelby is one that will define Cillian Murphy’s career for years to come. The actor’s incredible range and commitment to the role have made Shelby an unforgettable character in television history.