Cillian Murphy Smoked 3,000 “Fake” Cigarettes Per Season—Here’s What Was Really Inside Them

In the gritty world of Peaky Blinders, Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Thomas Shelby is as iconic as his chain-smoking habit. The character, a ruthless gang leader in post-World War I Birmingham, is rarely seen without a cigarette in hand. However, what fans may not know is that the cigarettes Murphy smoked on set were not the real deal. In fact, the truth behind what the actor puffed on during those intense scenes might just shock you.

The Inquiry Begins

When fans and critics alike asked, “What did Cillian Murphy really smoke in Peaky Blinders?”, the answer wasn’t as straightforward as one might think. The investigation began with a simple query on platforms like NME, Quora, IMDb, and Reddit. The consensus across these sources revealed an intriguing detail: Murphy did not smoke traditional tobacco cigarettes, but instead, he used herbal cigarettes—a tobacco-free, nicotine-free alternative often employed in film and theater to simulate smoking without the associated health risks.

Herbal Cigarettes: The Surprising Truth

Herbal cigarettes, which have no nicotine, have become a go-to choice in the film industry for actors portraying smokers. According to Helen McCrory, who portrayed Aunt Polly in Peaky Blinders, the herbal cigarettes used on set “taste horrible” but are safer than real tobacco. Murphy himself confirmed this, mentioning that the cigarettes were “herbal rose things,” a reference to the rose-scented herbal varieties used in the show.

Sources like Distractify and NME back up this information, with NME also noting that Murphy’s use of these fake cigarettes helped avoid the health risks posed by smoking traditional cigarettes, which emit carcinogens and toxins, as outlined by Franciscan Health. Given the rising health consciousness and the growing focus on actor safety, the decision to use herbal alternatives aligns with the industry’s evolving standards.

The Volume: 3,000 Cigarettes Per Season

The sheer volume of cigarettes used during filming is staggering. Murphy reportedly smoked around 3,000 herbal cigarettes each season of Peaky Blinders. The prop department’s tally was a logistical feat, as it required a vast supply to meet the character’s constant need for a smoke. While the herbal cigarettes are tobacco and nicotine-free, they are not without their own health concerns. Although deemed safer, they still release harmful substances, leading to the “we can’t believe it” reaction from fans and viewers in the current age of heightened awareness about health risks in the entertainment industry.

Murphy’s Real-Life Smoking Habits

Murphy, who is not a smoker in real life, opened up in interviews about his experience with the herbal cigarettes. He explained that the taste was unpleasant, and the residue left on his lips after each take was less than enjoyable. This stands in contrast to his character, Tommy Shelby, whose smoking was almost as central to his image as his sharp suit and cold demeanor. Murphy’s portrayal was made even more intense by his constant use of cigarettes, especially in the early seasons of the show, where his character’s gritty, hardened personality was reinforced by the visual of smoke trailing from his lips.

Historical Accuracy vs. Practicality

While the use of herbal cigarettes may have been a practical solution, it also raises questions about historical accuracy. Fans of the show have noted that the smoking devices used in Peaky Blinders—particularly the filtered cigarettes—were anachronistic for the time period, as cigarettes with filters didn’t become widely popular until the 1950s. However, the show’s producers chose to prioritize the health and safety of the actors over strict historical accuracy. Despite this modern convenience, the depiction of smoking in the show remains a visual marker that aligns with the historical prevalence of smoking during the post-World War I era.

A Necessary Compromise

Ultimately, the use of herbal cigarettes was a necessary compromise in a production where smoking plays a critical role in establishing a character’s personality and the time period’s atmosphere. While the decision to use these fake cigarettes may surprise many fans, it highlights the evolving nature of film production where health and safety are given more attention than ever before.

As Cillian Murphy continues to embody the intense, chain-smoking Thomas Shelby, viewers can rest assured that the actor is not at risk of inhaling harmful tobacco—though he certainly had to endure some unpleasant herbal alternatives. In a world where real cigarettes would have been deemed too dangerous for actors to use, herbal cigarettes served as the perfect substitute, allowing Murphy to deliver an unforgettable performance without compromising his health.