Cillian Murphy on Why Stephen Knight’s Writing Shines Above All Else – And What It Means for ‘Peaky Blinders’ Fans

Cillian Murphy, widely acclaimed for his portrayal of Tommy Shelby in the BBC series Peaky Blinders, has shared profound insights into his collaboration with the show’s creator, Stephen Knight. As of April 2025, Murphy’s reflections on their partnership offer a glimpse into the actor’s admiration for Knight’s unique storytelling ability and the creative opportunities that arose from their years working together.

A Deep Respect for Knight’s Writing

Murphy’s journey with Peaky Blinders began with his longstanding respect for Knight’s writing. In interviews, Murphy has made it clear that his decision to take on the role of Tommy Shelby was largely influenced by the exceptional quality of the scripts. Speaking with the BBC Media Centre, Murphy remarked, “I’ve been a fan of Steven Knight’s work for quite a while and the quality just jumped off the page. It’s just very unusual and very compelling and the character Tom Shelby is kind of an enigma.” Murphy’s recognition of the material before even considering the project showcases his discerning taste as an actor—one driven by the strength of the writing.

In a separate interview with theartsdesk, Murphy elaborated further on his professional approach, explaining, “As an actor, you have a nose for good writing, that’s what’s been my thing anyway: the medium is secondary. So if it’s theatre, film, or television, you go after the good shit. And we struck gold here. Well, I certainly did!” This statement reveals that Murphy actively seeks out compelling material, regardless of the medium, and Peaky Blinders represented a rare opportunity for an actor to return to high-quality writing season after season.

A Unique Opportunity to Explore Character Depth

Murphy also praised the depth of character exploration that Knight’s writing allowed him. Reflecting on the extended narrative arcs in the series, he noted, “for actors to get to explore characters over the course of six hours is a real treat, especially when you have writing of that calibre.” This rare opportunity to portray Tommy Shelby’s transformation across multiple seasons added layers of complexity to Murphy’s character, and he describes the experience as a professional luxury.

Over the course of five years, Murphy was able to revisit the character, each time uncovering new dimensions of Tommy Shelby’s persona. The script, bolstered by Knight’s distinct voice, provided the actor with a canvas to delve deeper into the complexities of his role, which became increasingly rewarding as the show progressed.

The Ongoing Professional Bond

The success of their collaboration is evidenced not only in the television series but also in their ongoing partnership. Murphy’s willingness to continue his involvement in the Peaky Blinders franchise, including the upcoming film The Immortal Man, further underscores his respect for Knight’s vision. Murphy called it “very gratifying to be recollaborating with Steven Knight,” suggesting that their professional bond remains strong. This continuation of their work together is a testament to the trust and admiration Murphy holds for Knight’s creative direction.

A Standout Collaboration Amid a Stellar Career

Cillian Murphy’s career boasts a series of prestigious roles in films like Inception and Oppenheimer, showcasing his versatility across genres. However, his remarks about Peaky Blinders suggest that his collaboration with Stephen Knight stands out, particularly for the unique narrative depth and character exploration it offered. While Murphy has worked on a range of high-profile projects, it is clear that Knight’s writing has provided an unparalleled opportunity for Murphy to push his craft to new heights, leaving an indelible mark on his career.

In sum, Cillian Murphy’s appreciation for Stephen Knight’s work goes beyond simple professional admiration. It is a deep, mutual respect rooted in the quality of the scripts and the rich character opportunities they created together. As their partnership continues in the Peaky Blinders film, fans can expect their collaboration to remain as compelling and impactful as ever.