Paul Anderson’s Surprising Confession About Cillian Murphy: ‘Losing Out to Him Was an Honor!’

Paul Anderson and Cillian Murphy, two of the standout stars of the iconic BBC series Peaky Blinders, have captivated audiences with their portrayal of brothers Arthur and Tommy Shelby, respectively. Their on-screen chemistry has been crucial to the show’s success, with both actors receiving widespread acclaim for their performances. Given their extensive collaboration, it’s no surprise that Paul Anderson has shared his thoughts on Murphy’s acting abilities—although not always in direct, public statements.

Admiration in the Audition Room

In a 2017 interview with Den of Geek, Anderson shared an insightful look into their working relationship. Reflecting on his audition for Peaky Blinders, Anderson revealed that he had initially auditioned for the role of Tommy Shelby, a part that ultimately went to Murphy. He described his reaction to learning that Murphy had been cast, stating, “I met them for Tommy. I met Otto [Bathurst, series one director] for Cillian’s role… I remember hearing it was going to be Cillian Murphy and I was like great, if I’m losing out, then losing out to Cillian Murphy I don’t mind, because I really like him as an actor.”

This statement underscores Anderson’s deep respect for Murphy, highlighting the latter’s undeniable talent and reputation. Anderson’s words imply that, even in the competitive world of casting, losing a role to Murphy was something Anderson could accept, given his admiration for Murphy’s acting craft.

Collaborative Chemistry Beyond Words

Their mutual respect is further reflected in their working dynamic. In the same interview, Anderson discussed their collaboration on set, noting that, while they often engage in deep discussions about scenes, their professional understanding of one another also means that some moments simply “click” without the need for much dialogue. Anderson remarked, “Cillian and I do, depending on what the scene is. Also with Joe Cole as well, we love to sit there and discuss the scene. Some of the stuff is fun and we don’t really need to talk much, we have a kind of understanding, me and Cillian.” This comment further illustrates the ease with which Anderson and Murphy work together, demonstrating that their connection extends beyond mere camaraderie—it’s a seamless professional relationship that elevates their performances.

Additionally, Anderson shared that neither he nor Murphy had previously spent so much time with a single character, an opportunity they considered a “luxury.” This sentiment highlights their shared investment in their roles and a level of deep appreciation for the characters they portrayed, further solidifying Anderson’s respect for Murphy’s craft.

A Lack of Direct Praise, But No Doubt of Respect

Despite Anderson’s clear admiration for Murphy, public statements specifically praising Murphy’s acting talent beyond the 2017 interview remain scarce. Extensive searches across various media platforms yielded few additional quotes that directly highlight Anderson’s thoughts on Murphy’s skills. Articles from Daily Mail and posts from Reddit have focused more on the actors’ personal interactions and their public appearances, with little attention given to their professional relationship in terms of acting praise.

However, the absence of broader public comments does not diminish the significance of Anderson’s 2017 reflections. Their extensive collaboration across multiple seasons of Peaky Blinders suggests a deeply rooted mutual respect between the two actors. The positive nature of their on-set relationship, coupled with Anderson’s words from the interview, paints a clear picture of a strong professional bond built on shared understanding and admiration for each other’s craft.

Conclusion

In an industry where public praise can often be reserved for major achievements, Paul Anderson’s remarks about Cillian Murphy reveal a more subtle yet profound admiration. Their enduring partnership on Peaky Blinders is a testament to the importance of mutual respect and collaboration in the entertainment world. While Anderson may not have publicly lauded Murphy’s acting in every interview, the foundation of their professional relationship speaks volumes about the deep regard Anderson holds for Murphy’s talent and their shared success on screen.