Tom Hardy Opens Up on Cillian Murphy’s Genius Acting in ‘Peaky Blinders’—And Their Most Intense Scene

Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy have proven to be a dynamic and captivating duo, both on and off screen. Their powerful performances in Christopher Nolan’s films, such as Inception, Dunkirk, and The Dark Knight Rises, have solidified them as two of Hollywood’s most respected actors. However, their collaboration on the BBC series Peaky Blinders, where they portrayed two morally complex characters, Alfie Solomons and Tommy Shelby, has become one of their most iconic partnerships in recent years. Now, as Hardy shares his admiration for Murphy’s talent and reflects on their greatest scene together, the chemistry between the two continues to captivate fans and critics alike.

Hardy’s Praise for Murphy

In a recent interview with Joe Scarborough on MSNBC, Tom Hardy did not hold back in his praise for his longtime collaborator, Cillian Murphy. Calling Murphy “an incredibly talented actor,” Hardy described him as a pleasure to work with, emphasizing his dedication and the depth he brings to his characters. This praise is not new to the public — both Hardy and Murphy have frequently acknowledged each other’s impressive abilities in interviews. However, this recent interview offers the most direct and recent expression of Hardy’s high regard for Murphy’s acting prowess.

As Hardy reflected on their time together on the Peaky Blinders set, it was clear that the mutual respect between the two actors was a key ingredient in the undeniable chemistry that permeated their on-screen performances. This chemistry, especially in their tense and emotionally charged scenes, has garnered widespread acclaim from fans and critics, making their collaboration one of the standout elements of the show.

The Greatest Scene in Peaky Blinders

When discussing their best on-screen moment, the conversation inevitably turns to a standout scene in Peaky Blinders, which many consider their greatest shared moment. This iconic scene occurs in season 3, during a confrontation between Alfie Solomons and Tommy Shelby. The dialogue-heavy exchange is intense, with Alfie confronting Tommy and challenging his moral compass. The line that stands out is: “If you pull that trigger, right, you pull that trigger for an honorable reason. Like an honorable man, not like some fucking civilian that does not understand the wicked way of our world, mate.”

This exchange has come to be known as the “iconic civilian scene” in fan discussions and media analyses. In the NetflixJunkie.com article from April 13, 2025, Hardy himself discussed this scene as a significant moment in the series, where the characters wrestle with complex moral dilemmas. The confrontation highlights not just the intensity of their relationship but also the emotional depth both actors brought to their roles. The scene is often cited by fans on platforms like Reddit as the most memorable in the series, with the “civilian” reference capturing the essence of the characters’ struggle between honor and survival.

The scene’s significance is further emphasized by Empire Online, which included it in a list of Peaky Blinders’ best moments in February 2022. While the show has delivered numerous memorable scenes over its run, this particular confrontation has garnered a reputation for its raw emotional power and the way it encapsulates the moral gray areas the characters must navigate. Hardy’s portrayal of Alfie — a volatile and cunning gangster — and Murphy’s portrayal of Tommy — the ambitious, calculating leader of the Peaky Blinders — has never been more electrifying than in this scene.

Other Notable Moments

While the season 3 confrontation is widely regarded as their greatest moment, other scenes between Hardy and Murphy have also been lauded by fans. Their first meeting in season 2, when Alfie and Tommy lock horns for the first time, is another fan-favorite moment, as is Alfie’s return in season 4. However, it’s the season 3 confrontation, with its brutal honesty and moral complexity, that has truly cemented itself as the standout scene in their shared Peaky Blinders history.

A Bond Beyond the Screen

What makes the Peaky Blinders collaboration between Hardy and Murphy so compelling is not just the depth of their characters but also the genuine friendship and respect they share off-screen. The actors’ mutual admiration for one another has been well-documented, and it’s clear that their on-screen chemistry is a reflection of their real-life camaraderie. This has contributed to their successful collaborations in both Peaky Blinders and other projects, including their roles in Nolan’s films. As the Peaky Blinders story continues with an upcoming Netflix film, fans are eager to see what new heights Hardy and Murphy will reach in their performances together.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Iconic Performances

The partnership between Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy has become a hallmark of modern cinematic storytelling. From Inception to Dunkirk to Peaky Blinders, their work together has been consistently praised for its intensity and authenticity. As Hardy continues to celebrate Murphy’s talents and reflect on their most memorable moments — particularly the iconic season 3 confrontation in Peaky Blinders — it’s clear that their bond both on and off-screen will remain a defining feature of their careers.